Common Questions

Funerals can be a confusing time. There are so many questions and thoughts running through your mind. We've compiled many of these questions, hoping they can help ease you and your family during a trying time. 

Why do people choose burial versus cremation?
Can you arrange funerals in other cities?
Can I transfer pre-arrangements?
How will I know my wishes will be carried out?
Will you help me with death benefits?
Who determines the cost?
Will I be getting a good value?
Is cremation an option?
Can you help me with burial vaults?

Why do people choose burial versus cremation?
An individual's choice of burial over cremation is often based on family traditions and/or family beliefs.

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Can you arrange funerals in other cities?
Yes. At Preston-Hanley, we can help arrange and carry out services, no matter where. We work with funeral homes and churches in other cities to make the process as simple as possible for you.

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When I made my pre-arrangements, the funeral home was locally owned. Although the home is still operated under the same name, I know it's now owned by a large conglomerate. I prefer to keep my money in my hometown. Can I transfer to Preston-Hanley?
Yes. Our staff is experienced in transferring all types of pre-arrangements. We can prepare the necessary paperwork and provide copies of your new arrangements so that you can be assured your wishes will be carried out. Our funeral directors discuss all your plans and make transferring your pre-arrangements a smooth and simple process. Because we are locally owned and operated, you can feel comfortable knowing that the same people who handle your pre-arrangement will also take care of your loved one's funeral. Learn more about pre-arrangements.

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If I make pre-arranged plans, can you assure that my wishes are carried out?
Yes. When you choose to pre-fund your funeral through our Pathway plan from Pekin Insurance, you'll receive a written letter of guarantee. It gives you the assurance that the services you have selected will be provided according to your wishes, and at no additional cost to your loved ones. At Preston-Hanley, you can feel confident knowing that the arrangements you have selected are what you will receive. Call us today to make an appointment with one of our five professionals to pre-arrange your funeral. Learn more about Pathway.

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Will you help me with death benefits?
Yes. Filing for death benefits can be very emotional and confusing. That's why we're here to help by providing information before and after a death. We will help you with:

• Life Insurance Death Benefits
• Social Security Death Benefits
• Veterans Death Benefits
• Public Aid Death Benefits

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Who determines the cost at Preston-Hanley?
As a local, family owned and operated funeral home, our prices are based solely on what's fair and reasonable for our community. Unlike the growing number of other funeral homes, we have not sold out to an international conglomerate like SCI. We are not a subsidiary of any corporation. Therefore, we do not answer to a board of directors whose first responsibility is to their shareholders. We only answer to the families we serve.

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While I am concerned about the financial part of making funeral arrangements, I'm more concerned about getting value for the price. Can you help me?
Yes. Because Preston-Hanley is a local, family owned and operated funeral home, we base our prices only on what is fair and reasonable for this community. Unlike other funeral homes, we don't answer to a board of directors or stockholders; our primary responsibility is to the families we serve.

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I've heard a lot about burial services, but very little about cremations. I'd like to learn what's involved in the cremation process. Can you help me?
Yes. At Preston-Hanley, we can offer your family the opportunity to have a traditional visitation and/or funeral service before cremation or cremation followed by a memorial service with  facilities for private or public services. Learn more about our cremation services.

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