Why Plan Ahead With a Mortuary in Wichita, KS
Planning Ahead with Downing & Lahey
Thinking about end-of-life arrangements is never easy, but planning ahead with a funeral home and mortuary in Wichita, KS is one of the most thoughtful and caring decisions you can make for your family. At Downing & Lahey Mortuaries & Crematory, we believe that advance planning gives you greater peace of mind while easing the burden on those you love.
Why Plan Ahead?
As a funeral home and mortuary in West Wichita, KS, along with East Wichita and the surrounding areas, we’ve seen that most people agree that making arrangements in advance is a wise choice, yet many delay because they aren’t sure where to begin. Planning ahead allows you to take your time, understand your options, and make decisions that reflect your values. It also ensures that your family will not be left with difficult choices during a time of grief.
When you choose to plan with Downing & Lahey, you are creating a thoughtful roadmap that your family can rely on. From selecting burial or cremation preferences to outlining the type of service you would like, every detail can be recorded and kept on file for future reference.
Flexible Options for Every Family
How much planning you do is completely up to you. Some people simply wish to document whether they prefer burial or cremation. Others go further, choosing music, readings, or even identifying the participants they would like included in their service. Our caring counselors are here to guide you at your own pace, answering questions and helping you create a plan that feels right.
Planning Ahead is Easy
More than 80% of people think planning in advance is a good idea, yet few know where to begin. It is easier than you think and as a funeral home and mortuary in Wichita, KS, we can help.
We have helpful counselors who will help you understand your options and let you make choices which are right for you.
How much planning you do is up to you. Some people only like to have a preference for burial or cremation documented. Others go all the way to choosing music and naming participants they would like in their ceremony.
What happens when you plan in advance with Downing & Lahey Mortuaries & Crematory:
- Your wishes are documented and kept on file with us
- Your family knows what you want to happen
- You have more time to discuss and consider choices
- Urgency and stressful decisions are eliminated during a time of crisis
- You have the option to fund the plan over time
- Plans paid in advance freeze costs and eliminate inflation
- Plans can be changed at any time
- Eliminates emotional overspending
Call us now or request an appointment today.
Benefits of Advance Planning
When you plan in advance with Downing & Lahey, as funeral home and mortuary in West Wichita, KS and the surrounding areas, you can expect:
- Clarity for your family – Your wishes are documented, so loved ones know exactly how to proceed.
- Time for thoughtful decisions – You have the space to consider your choices without the pressure of urgent circumstances.
- Reduced stress during loss – Families are spared from making difficult decisions in the midst of grief.
- Financial security – You may choose to fund your plan over time. Pre-paid plans lock in today’s prices and protect against inflation.
- Flexibility – Plans can be updated at any time if your preferences change.
- Prevention of overspending – Advance planning eliminates emotional overspending, ensuring your resources are used wisely.
Tools to Help You Get Started
We know that beginning the planning process can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created our free Personal Record Guide, a simple resource from our mortuary in Wichita, KS to help you organize your thoughts and record your wishes. This guide is designed to make the process easier for you and clearer for your family.
Take the Next Step
Planning ahead is truly a gift of love and security for those you care about most. Whether you are just beginning to explore your options or ready to put details in writing, our team is here to walk with you every step of the way.
Looking for a funeral home and mortuary in West Wichita, KS and the surrounding areas? Call us today at our East Chapel (316) 682-4553 or West Chapel (316) 773-4553 to schedule a conversation with one of our planning counselors. Together, we can help you create a plan that reflects your wishes and provides comfort to your family for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why should I plan my funeral in advance?
Planning ahead is one of the most thoughtful decisions you can make for your loved ones. It allows you to record your wishes, ensuring your service reflects your preferences while relieving your family from making difficult choices during an emotional time. When you’re looking for a funeral home and mortuary in Wichita, KS, rest easy knowing that we also know that it gives you peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
How much planning do I need to do?
That’s entirely up to you. Some people only wish to decide between burial or cremation, while others plan every detail, including music, readings, or the type of ceremony they’d like. With our funeral home and mortuary in West Wichita, KS and the surrounding areas, you can be as specific or as general as you prefer, and your plan can always be updated in the future.
Can I pay for my funeral in advance?
Yes. Pre-funding your plan provides important financial benefits. When you pre-pay, today’s costs are locked in, protecting you and your family from future price increases. With our funeral home and mortuary in Wichita, KS, payment can be made all at once or spread out over time. Funds are managed according to state regulations, giving you assurance that your arrangements will be honored.
Will pre-planning feel overwhelming or complicated?
Not at all. Many families are surprised at how simple the process can be. With our funeral home and mortuary in West Wichita, KS, along with East Wichita and the surrounding areas, our counselors guide you step by step, explaining every option clearly and answering all of your questions. You decide how much or how little detail to include, and we make suare your wishes are documented in a way that’s easy to understand and follow.
Does pre-planning take away my family’s ability to be involved?
Not at all. Pre-planning with a funeral home and mortuary in Wichita, KS gives your family the gift of clarity while still leaving room for them to add personal touches. In fact, many families feel more comfort knowing they can focus on honoring and remembering their loved one, rather than worrying about logistics and financial decisions.
What are the emotional benefits of planning ahead?
Pre-planning provides peace of mind not only for you, but also for your family. Knowing your wishes are clearly documented reduces uncertainty and stress during a difficult time. Instead of worrying about making the right decisions, your loved ones can focus on supporting one another and celebrating your life.
How do I get started?
The easiest way to begin is by requesting our free Personal Record Guide, which helps you organize your information and document your wishes. From there, with our funeral home and mortuary in West Wichita, KS and the surrounding areas, our planning counselors are available to walk you through the process, answer questions, and ensure you feel comfortable with every decision. Simply call our East Chapel at (316) 682-4553 or West Chapel at (316) 773-4553 to schedule an appointment.