In memoriam May 2022
Anderson - Coladonato
In Memoriam
PICTURE TRIBUTES
anderson - Coladonato Page 2
Cowdrey - Hansen Page 3
Hastie - Miller Page 4
Miller - Riley Page 5
Rivenes - Vincent Page 6
Wieser - Zimmer Page 7
TEXT TRIBUTES Page 8
Vance Anderson March 29, 1963 - March 21, 2022
Yvette Susan Anderson BUTTE
aug. 29, 1950 - March 30, 2022
Edwin Stanley Armstrong Nov. 21, 1937 - april 24, 2022
Michael Baker Oct. 5, 1949 - april 16, 2022
Sonya Marie Battermann May 15, 1976 - March 27, 2022
Russell Black Sept. 9, 1938 - June 15, 2021
William Bork QUEEN CREEK, aZ aug. 20, 1937 - Feb. 20, 2022
Joanne Braun Oct. 22, 1940 - april 17, 2022
Terri Brooks HEMPHILL, TX Oct. 19, 1948 - april 7, 2022
Agnes Jean Brothers Jan. 23, 1923 - March 24, 2022
Jackie Brown May 21, 1954 - april 9, 2022
Owen Bush March 7, 1930 - March 4, 2022
Shirley Ann Calnan aNaCONDa Nov. 27, 1934 - Feb. 22, 2022
Thomas G. Carey Sr.
Dec. 9, 1928 - Feb. 26, 2022
William “Bill”
Alex Christie Oct. 25, 1957 - March 15, 2022
Matthew John Coladonato RENO, NV
Oct. 17, 1957 - Feb. 21, 2022 ABOUT THIS SECTION
In Memoriam started in July 2019 and publishes six times a year. The section honors the memories of the community members we’ve lost during the prior two-
month period. This edition includes those whose obituary appeared between February 28 and May 1.
Cowdrey - Hansen
Marvin R. “Buz” Cowdrey Sept. 14, 1940 - March 24, 2022
Wade Joseph Dahood Dec. 31, 1927 - april 18, 2022
David “Opie” Dapp april 2, 1964 - March 1, 2022
Alice Faye Denman Jan. 12, 1934 - april 3, 2022
Patricia DeTonancour Feb. 9, 1946 - March 12, 2022
Thomas Paul Deutsch Jr.
Sept. 20, 1995 - april 10, 2022
Sheila Ann (Garvey) Drynan Oct. 26, 1940 - april 7, 2022
Roderick Montgomery
“Rod, Monty” Duncan Sept. 27, 1934 - april 2, 2022
Marjorie Jean (Egan) Durkin april 18, 1929 - april 9, 20226
Richard Allen Duxbury Jan. 31, 1948 - april 17, 2022
Rita Emerson Sept. 23, 1949 - Feb. 25, 2022
John Robert Fish III Feb. 4, 1956 - Feb. 20, 2022
Patricia Ann “Pat” Foley BUTTE
March 14, 1951 - March 28, 2022
Tana “The Bears” Fulton aug. 27, 1982 - Feb. 24, 2022
Gregory Gardner June 8, 1966 - March 14, 2022
Lloyd Lennis Garrels aug. 29, 1945 - March 28, 2022
Timothy Hamm Dec. 28, 1946 - March 13, 2022
Alexander “Alec”
Niels Hansen March 10, 1941 - april 24, 2022
For expanded details on Mourner’s Bill of Right go to:
www.seniorsolutnionsmontana.com Click the “Bereavement” Link.
2825 Lexington Ave Ste B Butte, MT 59701
406.299.3777
sensolhomecare@gmail.com Contact Us for a Free Consultation
To All Who Died This Past Year
Under Our Care
We At Senior Solutions Hospice and Home Care Remember How You Loved Us and How We Loved You
1554 Harrison Ave, Ste C
Hastie - Miller
David Edward Hastie Feb. 28, 1979 - March 20, 2022
Domingo Hernandez Oct. 20, 1942 - Feb. 13, 2022
Beverly Jean Hihnala March 26, 1940 - april 8, 2022
Clayton Langford Huntley Feb. 4, 1930 - Feb. 25, 2022
Sharon Marie Jenkins BUTTE
Jan. 12, 1941 - april 11, 2022
Nancy “June”
Waldemar Kamps HaMILTON Nov. 29, 1928 - March 17, 2022
Dominic Joseph
“Charmo Bravo” Kelly april 18, 1958 - Feb. 23, 2022
Robert T. “Bob” King aNaCONDa Oct. 18, 1937 - april 18, 2022
Lola Ardelle Krueger BUTTE
april 18, 1924 - april 6, 2022
Catherine Ann Lappin BUTTE Died april 4, 2022
Karen Lubick Dec. 20, 1943 - March 8, 2022
Thomas “Tom” Luce april 20, 1935 - Feb. 13, 2022
Christopher Robert
“Roundhead” Maddock Dec. 26, 1979 - Feb. 24, 2022
Jan Quilling March CHOTEaU
Feb. 14, 1948 - March 4, 2022
William C. “Bill” Maunder aNaCONDa
Sept. 30, 1934 - March 22, 2022
John Rodger McCormick BOZEMaN Dec. 13, 1935 - March 7, 2022
Mark Steve McDanel March 1, 1966 - april 11, 2022
John Patrick McGrath March 18, 1941 - March 5, 2022
Gary Russell McHenry June 26, 1969 - Feb. 14, 2022
Marian Jane McIntyre June 19, 1952 - Feb. 7, 2022
Nancy Eileen McLaughlin BUTTE
april 16, 1940 - april 2, 2022
Onaleee Grace (Lucier) McNaughton Dec. 30, 1941 - March 7, 2022
Cynthia A. Micheletti Dec. 11, 1952 - Feb. 28, 2022
Paul Roger Miller March 20, 1942 - March 15, 2022
Miller - Riley
Randall Clifford
“Barney” Miller BUTTE
Dec. 25, 1968 - Feb. 22, 2022
L. J. Morin Jr.
april 28, 1948 - Nov. 30, 2021
Florentina (Blanco) Moyer June 20, 1931 - March 20, 2022
Beverly Jane Murphy Feb. 18, 1944 - april 23, 2022
Andrew Albert Neff Oct. 13, 1936 - Feb. 4, 2022
Gregg Richard Ninefeldt BUTTE
Died april 3, 2022
Scott “Scotty-O”
Patrick O’Brien BUTTE
aug. 11, 1968 - april 4, 2022
Wesley Carl Opp aug. 17, 1943 - Feb. 26, 2022
Carol Jean Orr Dec. 26, 1942 - april 16, 2022
Connor J. Ottley aug. 18, 1998 - March 28, 2022
Olive Pearce BUTTE
May 29, 1929 - March 15, 2022
Kenneth “Kenny”
Jorgen Petersen, Sr.
July 10, 1937 - Dec. 18, 2021
Betty Bonita Peterson June 20, 1924 - March 1, 2022
Henry William
“Sonny” Philp april 28, 1940 - Feb. 25, 2022
John N. Radonich Dec. 3, 1932 - March 30, 2022
Wilma Ralph Feb. 22, 1943 - Feb. 8, 2022
Shirley Jean (Perusich) Reynolds Born Feb. 20, 1937
Virgil “Mert” Riley June 14, 1937 - March 17, 2022
406-723-3221
1800 Florence Ave. Butte, Mt 59701
wayrynen-richards.com
funeral home & crematoryWayrynen-richards
Funeral Home & Crematory
A Caring Tradition &
Celebration of Life Since 1892
We offer complete funeral facilities including a community center for post funeral gatherings, a beautiful formal chapel and large viewing rooms for the care of you and your loved ones with dignity and respect.
We’re here for you
In difficult times, it’s comforting to know you can rely on Wayrynen Richards Funeral Home & Crematory with our 129 years of experience to help you and your family.
When arranging something as important to your family as a funeral, consider the tradition, history and experience of one of Butte’s oldest incorporated business.
Offering immediate cremations starting at $1,799
Rivenes - Vincent
Louis “Louie”
Duane Rivenes WISE RIVER april 9, 1948 - March 5, 2022
Mary Patricia Rooney May 24, 1952 - March 1, 2022
Gayla Darlene Sanders BUTTE
July 13, 1953 - april 1, 2022
Kenneth Sanders aug. 13, 1947 - March 14, 2022
Susan Sansouci June 19, 1964 - March 3, 2022
Virgil “Sarge”
Rodney Sargent Oct. 4, 1943 - april 2, 2022
Donald C. Schroeder aug. 11, 1936 - april 22, 2022
David “Sully” Sheehan Sept. 10, 1950 - april 8, 2022
Rachel Sichveland Died Feb. 26, 2022
Lana Lynn Simpson aug. 21, 1960 - april 3, 2022
Heidi Eleanor Skocilich May 5, 1948 - March 6, 2022
Robert “Rob” Smith Feb. 19, 1980 - March 18, 2022
Catherine “Cathie”
Louise (Battaiola) Sorg Oct. 12, 1959 - Feb. 15, 2022
Suzanne Stubbs June 17, 1937 - March 1, 2022
Margaret Jean
“Peggy” Sutey Jan. 18, 1947 - april 3, 2022
John Charles Tallon Feb. 28, 1957 - april 12, 2022
Almon “Butch” Tesdal aNaCONDa Feb. 19, 1943 - Feb. 25, 2022
Eli Francis Thomas SaRaTOGa
March 2, 1929 - March 2, 2022
Julia Thomas Nov. 13, 1971 - March 23, 2022
Sean Edward Thomas Jan. 29, 1986 - March 29, 2022
James “Jim” Edward Thompson March 13, 1939 - March 1, 2022
David M. Tofte Feb. 10, 1950 - March 6, 2022
Cynthia A. Trudgeon BUTTE
aug. 28, 1933 - March 31, 2022
Charles “Nick” Vincent July 24, 1951 - Feb. 16, 2022
Wieser - Zimmer
Deborah (Thomas) Wieser Feb. 8, 1949 - March 27, 2022
Patrick S. Williams Dec. 19, 1956 - March 22, 2022
Robert Joseph York Oct. 12, 1946 - april 11, 2022
Toni Leon Zimmer aug. 15, 1954 - March 3, 2022
E
nsuring the cost of a funeral is covered before the time of death will guarantee your family is not left with the financial burden. If your life insurance policy doesn’t cover the service expenses, it’s refreshing to find a third party who does. Check with your in- surance agent.According to the Na- tional Funeral Directors Association, the average cost of a funeral with viewing and burial ser- vices was $7,360 in 2017.
Consider the burden loved ones face if there is no policy in place to cover the cost. This expense can cripple the financial security of family mem- bers, especially if they are responsible for other unresolved debts.
Burial insurance This important type of insurance can sometimes be offered by licensed fu- neral homes in your area.
However, the Insurance Information Institute says that under most state laws, a policy must be acquired through a broker or agent at an insurance agency. Be sure to shop around for the best policy available based on your age, health condi- tions and coverages.
Burial life insurance immediately pays your beneficiary at the time of death. They are free
to disperse the money as they wish. Most find peace of mind by covering funeral expenses, medical bills or outstanding debts which may be owed.
Pre-need funeral insurance
Much like burial insur- ance, this policy is in place to prepay for foreseen costs like burial or cremation services, funeral arrange- ments and church dona- tions. The main difference in pre-need insurance is that the available funds are given to the funeral service provider you choose. Un- derstanding the finances are directly going toward the right outlets is an important aid for family members who are grieving.
When shopping for poli- cies, look for services who offer a locked in price. This protects you against the rising costs of expenses by guaranteeing your service will be priced at today’s standards.
Discussing with family Talking about death with loved ones is never easy. However, being honest about your final service expectations helps everyone be prepared when the time comes.
Be open to their ques- tions, advice and listen to their feelings during the conversation.
— Green Shoot Media
Buying funeral insurance
Become an organ donor W
hen you make a commitment todonate healthy organs or tissue at the time of your death, you positively impact the lives of others.
When planning your legacy, it’s easy to have your loved ones at the forefront of your mind, but a simple registration could influence the life of a stranger.
According to the United States De- partment of Health & Human Services, there are two ways to sign up to be an organ donor. From the comfort of your home, visit their website and fill out a simple form. If you would rather com- plete the process with a representative, the experts at the local Department of Motor Vehicles can help.
Statistics
There are thousands of Americans in need of healthy organs or tissue. Here are some sobering statistics from the United Network of Organ Sharing, to show you the importance of registering:
• One organ donor can save eight lives.
• A person is added to the national transplant waiting list every ten minutes.
• In 2018, there were 33,432 trans- plants performed.
How you can help
Adults who are legal citizens in the United States are eligible to donate or- gans at the time of death, and, in some cases, during their lifetime. Of course, certain diseases may inhibit your from becoming a donor; be honest about your health conditions during registration.
Some things that may prevent some- one from applying are an HIV infection, cancer or a systemic infection. Keep in mind that organs that aren’t affected from these diseases may qualify, so visit a representative to discuss your options.
Talking with family
Make sure to discuss your wishes with your family. Conversations regarding death are never easy. You should ap- proach the subject with sensitivity by discussing the benefits that registration offers to others. Your loved ones may even be curious as to how they register for the national donor list.
— Green Shoot Media
1805 Meadowlark Lane • 723-3239
Your family deserves a farewell that celebrates their life and gives you peace at saying good-bye, let us
help during your time of need. “ We Care”
Create A Meaningful Farewell
Text Tributes
Richard Duane Christianson May 23, 1946 - March 13, 2022
Walter Julian Conell HELENa
Sept. 21, 1935 - March 7, 2022 Clara Dorothy Fraser March 13, 1927 - april 10, 2022
Mary Lillian Harrington MaNHaTTaN Died March 8, 2022 Mary Rita Hutchison Feb. 28, 1935 - March 9, 2022
Cynthia M. Kneebone Died Sept. 17, 2021 David W. Kneebone
Died March 25, 2022 Charles Ronald McOmber
July 18, 1936 - March 4, 2022 Marko Michunovich July 27, 1949 - March 31, 2022
Reece Ferris Silve, Jr.
Jan. 18, 1940 - april 3, 2022 Carol Gail Thompson
aug. 22, 1949 - March 28, 2022
Estate planning tips and advice
E
state planning is for every- one. Don’t make the mistake of believing estate planning is only for the rich.Making a plan for how your af- fairs will be handled after death is the best thing you can do for your loved ones, regardless of your fi- nancial standing.
Document how you want your property and other assets han- dled to help your family avoid legal difficulties, inconvenience, unnecessary taxation and family arguments. An estate planning professional can have a lasting impact on your legacy.
Estate planning isn’t just about protecting heirlooms; it also pro- vides security for your family.
Consider these tips for creating a sound, logical estate plan.
Seek legal counsel
Some people use online forms to draft a will, most people will benefit from consulting with an
estate planning attorney. This ex- perienced professional can create legal documents with your spe- cific circumstances in mind.
It’s true everyone should have a will, regardless of age. But that is only the first step in developing a solid estate plan. You should also create a living will, power of at- torney and possibly a trust.
Consult an attorney who has experience in developing estate plans for those whose situations are similar to yours. Do not try to do it alone.
Life insurance policies Life insurance policies provide for your loved ones in the event of your death.
There are a wide range of op- tions, and only a few will make sense for your situation. A profes- sional can guide you through the possibilities and help you make appropriate choices.
Term life insurance policies are generally less expensive than
other types of coverage. But whole life policies, annuities and other insurance products may be more appropriate for your circum- stances.
Understand what you might be buying. In some cases, a policy may benefit the salesperson more than it does the customer.
It is essential you take all the time you need to learn about a particular policy before purchas- ing it. If you have any hesitation or confusion, ask another profes- sional or keep researching. You should feel certain that you are choosing the best policy for your needs.
Funeral expenses
Funerals are very expensive, sometimes up to $10,000. You don’t want to leave your family with large bills. That’s why you should plan ahead to cover the cost of your own funeral.
Pre-paid funeral plans are a popular option, or you can simply
buy a burial plot in advance so that one major task will be han- dled before your death.
It may be uncomfortable and even frightening to consider, but it is something that must be ad- dressed as part of a solid estate plan. Visit funeral homes in your area to discuss prepayment op- tions.
Communication is key
Communicate with your family in general terms about your estate plan. Talking to them about what they can expect could head off es- tate disputes and heartache.
A good estate planner can help you navigate complicated family dynamics and concerns that may accompany this process. The right estate plan and experienced pro- fessionals can make your legacy a blessing that your heirs will treas- ure for the rest of their lives.
It is better to plan ahead than to be a burden on loved ones.
— Green Shoot Media
“H
ow will I be remembered after I’m gone?” There comes a time in our lives when we begin to ask ourselves this question.It’s important for us to feel that we are leaving behind a strong example for our family members and friends to carry on.
We want our work to continue and our spirit to remain strong.
One of the best ways to achieve these important goals is through proper legacy planning. Working with a local attorney to determine what you want your legacy to be is the first step. You will need to answer questions about what is most im- portant to you and how you want to leave it behind.
Legacy planning goes beyond estate planning because of the creative aspect.
You can build various parts that form one main legacy, such as setting up multiple scholarship funds to be doled out at your high school alma mater, or a sizable donation to the charity of your choice.
How you want to leave your legacy is your choice. You can either talk it over with your family members or keep your decisions under wraps until the time comes to unveil them.
Fund a Scholarship
One way to positively impact your community for years to come is to set up a college scholarship program with some of your financial savings. Coordinate doing so with your target high school and an attorney who specializes in wills, trusts and estates.
Once the details are set on the legal end, this can be a fun project because you can choose specific eligibility require- ments for the scholarship.
Let’s say you’ve been interested in the music arts for many years. Your scholarship can be offered only for stu- dents who wish to pursue a career in music.
You can make the application process require an original recorded piece for consideration for the scholarship. Don’t forget to set up a collection of friends or school officials as the scholarship board, which will be entrusted with keeping the legacy going and selecting the winning students.
Making a Difference
You don’t need a substantial amount of financial savings to make a difference in your community. In fact, acts such as donating books to your local library or funding the development of a new bench at a local park are small yet meaningful ways to establish a legacy.
Are there certain organizations in which you firmly believe? Maybe you’ve devoted large chunks of time to advanc- ing their goals and missions. A lawyer can help you set up a will that lays out how your estate will be split among the groups for which you are most passion- ate.
Building a Nonprofit or Foundation
One way to positively impact your community for years to come is to set up a nonprofit organization or a foundation with some of your savings. This can be an enjoyable project because you will be able to visualize how your contribution will make a positive impact on society.
Your new entity can perhaps fund in- itiatives such as feeding the hungry in your community or providing coats to children who need them during the win- ter. Think of the causes that are impor- tant to you and talk with your attorney about the proper ways to structure and build your plan.
Talk it Over
Many people have a difficult time de- ciding how they’ll divvy up their savings and possessions when they pass away.
Emotions may run high if one of your family members feels they aren’t receiv- ing equal amounts of your estate.
That’s why talking about making a large charitable donation is so important.
Trustworthy, loving family members will respect your wishes to contribute some of your financial savings, property or even possessions to a charitable organization.
Others may have negative feelings to- ward your decision. It’s critical that you have an open discussion with your clos- est family members to get feelings out on the table to achieve an honest dialogue.
— Green Shoot Media
Tips for leaving a legacy
Kyle Zimmerman, Manager-Funeral Director Anaconda • Philipsburg • Drummond • Deer Lodge
www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Longfellow Finnegan Riddle
“We handle all the details: you focus on family and friends”
Funeral Home & Cremation Services
107 Oak St. Anaconda, MT • 406-563-3371
WHO WE ARE
At times we encourage and empower,
other times we need to just listen and let you talk.
We aspire to be aware of your family’s needs
through an emotional time
T
he emotional pain and suffering that occurs when a loved one dies can be crippling. And often the closest family members hurting the most must also deal with difficult responsibilities like choosing the right funeral home.Choosing a funeral home is never an easy process.
But there are ways to make this difficult decision a little bit easier on you and your family.
Here are some tips to help make choosing the right funeral home less stressful.
Compare Prices
If you have had to make funeral arrangements in the past, you may be tempted to just go with the funeral home you have experience with. While this may be a smart op- tion for some people, it's not always the right option.
Depending on how long it's been since you needed to make funeral arrangements for a loved one, the price of that particular funeral home may have gone up. That's why it is wise to shop around and compare the prices of the various funeral homes in your community.
Ask For References From Friends
Even if you have never had to choose a funeral home in the past, you may have a friend or two who has. Ask these friends if they would recommend the services provided at the funeral homes they have used.
They may be able to share valuable information about the staff, facility and prices of a specific funeral home.
Ask About Packages
Whether your deceased loved one had a specific list for their final wishes or you have to make these deci- sions for yourself, it is important that you ask a poten- tial funeral home what types of packages they offer.
You will find that not all funeral homes are created equal, and each offers their own different ways of han- dling a service. No matter what type of requirements you have, it is best to choose a funeral home that will cater to your specific needs in order to make this diffi- cult situation a little less daunting.
Caring Staff
When visiting a potential funeral home, the funeral director can be a major deciding factor when you choose whether or not to use this particular company to handle the funeral of your loved one.
A caring and professional funeral director and staff will take the time to explain all your options in an em- pathetic way so you can make a better choice when choosing a funeral home. If the director seems short or uninterested in your needs or makes you feel like you and your deceased loved one aren't important, you won't want to choose this facility to handle the funeral
of your loved one.
While dealing with the death of a loved one is hard, choosing the right funeral home can help relieve you of some stress.
If you want your loved one to receive the proper fu- neral he or she deserves, following the above listed tips should help you make the right choice.
— Green Shoot Media
How to choose a funeral home
Final resting places
Many people choose burials; others cremation. Either way, you should be comfortable with your final resting place. Consider your family’s needs and preference because,they are the ones who will be visiting your gravesite or, likely, possess your urn.
Some options:
Burial
The burial process comes with plenty of issues to consider, the first being convenience. Families choosing buri- als may do so to ensure they can visit
the body for years to come. Nature also is an important part of the cem- etery experience, so finding one with beautiful landscaping or expansive forestry can help provide a peaceful, natural environment for family mem- bers and friends to visit.
Cremation
The cremation choice is popular because of its convenience and the opportunity for family members to display a decorative urn holding the ashes of their loved one. If an urn isn’t your top option, you could al- ways plan a special day that includes
the spreading of your ashes across the ocean, mountaintop or river. Pay attention to any local, state and fed- eral regulations that may govern the distribution of your ashes.
Consider a Marking
a marker that bears the name, dates of life and loving inscription can help loved ones reminisce over fond mem- ories and shared experiences. you can plan ahead of time to customize a marking with specific colors, shapes and sizes. and don’t forget to get cre- ative with the design.
— Green Shoot Media ADOBE STOCK PHOTO
M
aking plans for your funeral is a tough subject. Most people would rather skip the subject or opt to have others plan their funerals. But the reality is procrastination or avoidance does not change reality.It’s also worth planning ahead because funeral costs can be a major burden on the deceased’s family. Cremation ser- vices are becoming more popular these days because of high funeral costs. They can be a cost-effective alternative to tra- ditional burials.
It is always best to take care of details in advance.
Making decisions in advance about cremation services can take the burden off loved ones during a painful time.
Otherwise, they will need to make tough choices while stressed and grieving.
With cremation, the family doesn’t have to purchase an expensive casket.
Loved ones may spend more money than they can afford in an effort to respect the memory of the deceased.
But a cremation service is an afforda- ble way to respectfully memorialize a friend or family member. The service can be a peaceful time to grieve and remem- ber.A funeral home may have a partner- ship or connection with a cremation center. They may have additional ser- vices, such as grief counseling or assis- tance with necessary paperwork.
After the cremation, you will receive an urn. You can choose to bury the urn, keep it in your home or place it in a me-
morial building.
When searching for a cremation center, check with your family or friends for referrals. If you cannot get an ap- propriate referral, you might be able to join a cremation society. For a small fee, you will receive up-to-date information about your options and the process.
Membership may also help you obtain a lower cost on cremation services. These societies will provide assistance with many details connected to the service and disposition of remains.
The Internet Cremation Society and the Cremation Society of North America are sources of information about crema- tion societies.
Once you have narrowed your choices, consider how you feel about the staff of the cremation center. You should feel comfortable asking questions. The employees should be knowledgeable, competent and pleasant. They should give you all of the details about price breakdowns, and their process of making ashes for the urn.
By doing a little research and choosing wisely, you can make the process a little easier for loved ones during a difficult time.
Discuss with your loved ones and fam- ily members their preference for when they pass. Talk with them and explain your own so that there will not be any misunderstandings or second-guessing after the fact. While it is not the most pleasant topic in the world, it will help ease some of the stress.
How to choose cremation services
W
hile you want to be as detailed as possible when creating your last will, there are numerous factors you should avoid.The most efficient way to decide what to include is by working with a trusted attorney. Of course, they will charge for their services, but hiring an expert gains valuable knowledge that you won’t find with free drafting soft- ware that many companies offer.
Mistakes like entering your funeral instructions into the document can cause family members problems and lead to your last wishes being missed.
In most states, the settling of the es- tate occurs after someone is laid to rest.
Your loved ones may not even see your desires until after the funeral. In- stead of documenting them into your will, hold a conversation with your family to explain your vision. Or you can create a separate document with the chosen executor of your estate, so they have a recording to follow.
Here are other factors that should be handled individually rather than docu-
mented in your last will.
Joint Accounts
If you share a joint account with someone else, typically at the time of one’s death, the funds are solely taken over by the survivor. The transfer is generally seamless and rarely goes through probate.
However, you can leave an account of your own by including a recipient as a payable-on-death beneficiary. After death, the person must visit the bank and present a death certificate and identification to receive the account you contributed.
Life Insurance Information
Life insurance benefits are automat- ically distributed to the beneficiary listed on the policy. Make sure to up- date the plan during life events like divorce, the death of a spouse or other situations that require changing the recipient.
— Green Shoot Media
What to leave out of a will
2009 Harrison Ave., Butte, MT 57901 • 494.4264
buttefuneralhome.com
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services is an affordable alternative to traditional funeral
homes. We are now
offering full funeral and cremation services as well as monuments and markers. The Axelson
Family, known for
excellence and innovation in funeral service, is proud of our 75-year commitment to serving the families of Butte and surrounding regions.