Frequently Asked Questions.

Since most death occur in health care institutions such as hospitals and nursing homes, the attending staff may provide you with some preliminary information. If the death occurs at home, please notify the physician or attending registered nurse (if the death was unexpected, or if there are any peculiar circumstances, phone the police immediately). If the deceased was under hospice care at home, the hospice staff should have left some basic information for you to follow. No matter what the circumstance, give us a call and we will help guide you to the next steps. We are available 24/7.

When you call, we will ask you a few questions.

• What is the full name of your loved one?

• Where did your loved one pass? Are they still at this location?

• Who is the legal Next of Kin, and what is their contact information?

• What is your name and contact information (If you are not the legal next kin)? 

CODA is a concluding musical section that is formally distinct from the main structure. A concluding part of a literary or dramatic work. A person’s life is a dramatic piece, and we want to help share their song.

We are bridging the gap between Full-Service Funeral Homes and Online Cremation Services. We operate out of a comfortable storefront. Select one of our packages and you can add on what you wish. We have a streamed-line approach to our services.

Our storefront location can be rented out per hour. The room can be used for a special event, meetings, or just a place to gather with friends and family. Our place is your place.

You are more than welcome to give us a call anytime. If your loved one was brought into our care, one of our specialists will reach out to the next of kin the following day. 

o Vital Statistic Information for your loved one Including:

• Full Legal name

• Date and Place of Birth (City & State)

• Parents’ names, including mother’s maiden name.

• Marital Status and Spouse’s name (Maiden)

• Education Information

• Veteran Status and Branch

• Social Security Number

• Next of Kin Contact Information

o Other Documents (If Applicable)

• Power of Attorney / with Photo ID (Including Rights to Disposition)

• Last Will and Testament / with Photo ID

• DD214

• Cemetery Lot Documentation

• A recent photograph or copy of driver’s license for positive identification purposes.

o Determine the number of Certified Copies you will need. We will order them for you, and you can choose to either pick them up, have them delivered, or mailed.

Washington State has very specific laws as to who is required to authorize the cremation process. There is no way for us to waver on this one, and we aren’t making it up to make your life more difficult. RCW.68.50.160 https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=68.50.160

Pick one of our carefully curated cremation packages. All our cremations take place at Sunset Gardens Crematorium. Meet us in person to arrange all the details. The arrangement typically takes about 1 hr. During our arrangement we will be asking questions to help determine the options you would like. There are also quite a few frequently asked questions that come up. Take a look to help prepare and to know your options.

There are no rules, and there are so many different names, and it doesn’t necessarily have to have a name. It is a time for friends and family of a deceased loved one to come together to share stories and memories about that person’s life. A time set aside to remember

Private viewing, without embalming, is available for families (no greater than 10 people) needing to say a final goodbye. To help create a positive memory for your family, funeral directors will set features (positioning the mouth and closing the eyes), perform special sanitary precautions, dress the body in a hospital gown, and cover the body with a blanket from the shoulders down

Yes, bring in any personal items to your Arrangement Appointment. Some common items families bring in are clothing, undergarments, shoes, jewelry, Dentures, Glasses, wigs, or any mementoes. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions.

No, embalming is not required by law. Embalming is not an option at CODA. However, embalming would be required in some situations like a public viewing, offered at our full-service operation.

Public Viewings are not available at CODA but if you would like to have a public viewing so anyone who was touched by your loved one can say their goodbyes, we recommend Einan’s at Sunset. Embalming will need to be performed for this service.

We would schedule a private viewing at our location for 1 hour. We would suggest having the service at least 5 days after the private viewing. This will allow time for the cremation to take place, scheduling details, and any orders needing to be fulfilled. This is about an average and every family’s needs are different. We understand this and want to meet you where you are.

The purpose of the cremation container is to provide a dignified means of storing the body prior to cremation and to literally contain the body while it is being prepared for cremation and when entering the cremation chamber. This is required by the crematory and state law. We will show you options to choose from. You can also browse our selections by starting arrangements.

A rental casket is intended to use for viewing but will not be cremated with the deceased. You will rent the outer portion and purchase the inner portion. The inner portion is what stays with the deceased through the cremation process. 

Witness cremation offers the family the chance to be present with their loved one as the cremation commences. It’s a very personal service that can be comforting and provide closure.

You can accompany your loved one into the building and crematory room up until they enter the cremation chamber. 

o Disclaimer: Since we utilize the crematorium at Einan’s at Sunset. We must follow established guidelines. You will only be allowed to stay until the cremation commences. Einan’s has a crematorium schedule, and CODA will select an available slot. 

For an additional fee, yes. You can have one or the other or both. Fingerprints are stored in our secure online database. You will receive a unique pin. This pin will give you access to your loved one’s prints, you can order keepsakes and/jewelry directly from the site in the comfort of your own home on your own time. Fingerprints can also be taken during pre-planning.

The urn is what the ashes are placed in after the cremation. We have a selection to choose from but if you don’t see something you like, let us know. You can also purchase one on your own or have a personalized one made. You are more than welcome to bring the urn in and we will place the ashes in the urn for you.

Solidified remains are a clean alternative to ashes that allow you to feel close and connected to your loved one in daily life. Share your solidified remains with your family and let everyone heal in a way that is special to them. Don’t let your loved one’s remains sit forgotten in a closet or garage. 

Are little mementos to keep with you after services. You can incorporate ashes, fingerprints, lock of hair and/or dried flowers. 

Yes! We are proud to say that we are partnered with Eaton’s Glass Works based out of Emmett, ID. Alan has been in the glass industry for about 20 years! He has his art down to a science and incorporating loved one’s ashes in such a unique and creative way. Ask a specialist for more information!

During our intake process, any personal effects will be documented. During the arrangement we will review the items that were brought in, and you will be given the option to tell us what you would like done with the personal effects. You can choose to have them cremated with, Discard of, and/or return to family. If you choose to have personal effects returned then you will be able to receive those effects once the cremation is complete, the death certificates are in, and everything is ready to either be picked up at CODA, delivered to you, and/or mailed.

• We use the proper identification process to identify and track your loved one throughout the entire cremation or burial process as well as ensure their safety and security.

• At the point of removal, we will identify you loved one and place a name tag around his/her arm or leg to ensure proper identification when transported to the crematory.

• Upon arrival at the crematory and holding facility, we begin our intake process by entering your loved one’s information into our electronic tracking system. 

• We assign an identification number to your loved one as an extra measure in our identification process. 

• Then we place them into our temperature-controlled holding facility until the cremation takes place. 

• Your loved one is always treated with respect and dignity.

• As we prepare your loved one for cremation or burial, we confirm all identification methods are complete and update our tracking system to indicate the day and time the cremation takes place. Everything is tracked from the moment your loved one comes into our care until the ashes are returned to you. 

Pick one of our carefully curated burial packages. Meet us in person to arrange all the details. This typically takes about 1 hr. After or at the end of our appointment, you will need to contact the cemetery of your choice. We recommend Cemetery at Sunset Gardens. However, if you have another cemetery in mind, we will honor your wishes. Additional mileage is applied outside of a 35-mile area. You will need to contact the cemetery to finalize any arrangements and or fees. We will help coordinate a date and time for the burial to take place. During our arrangement we will be asking questions to help determine the options you would like. There are also quite a few frequently asked questions that come up. Take a look to help prepare and to know your options.

There are no rules, and there are so many different names, and it doesn’t necessarily have to have a name. It is a time for friends and family of a deceased loved one to come together to share stories and memories about that person’s life. A time set aside to remember

We will help coordinate a date and time for a graveside service at the cemetery of your choice. 

We recommend calling upon family or friends to help. If you need assistance with pallbearers, discuss this with the cemetery. If you choose a direct burial, you will not need any pallbearers.

Private viewing, without embalming, is available for families (no greater than 10 people) needing to say a final goodbye. To help create a positive memory for your family, funeral directors will set features (positioning the mouth and closing the eyes), perform special sanitary precautions, dress the body in a hospital gown, and cover the body with a blanket from the shoulders down.

Yes, bring in any personal items to your Arrangement Appointment. Some common items families bring in are clothing, undergarments, shoes, jewelry, Dentures, Glasses, wigs, or any mementoes. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions.

No, embalming is not required by law. Embalming is not an option at CODA. However, embalming would be required in some situations like a public viewing, offered at our full-service funeral home.

Public Viewings are not available at CODA but if you would like to have a public viewing so anyone who was touched by your loved one can say their goodbyes, we recommend Einan’s at Sunset. Embalming will need to be performed for this service.

We would schedule a private viewing at our location for 1 hour. I would suggest having the service at least 5 days after the private viewing. This will allow time for the cremation, scheduling details, and any orders. This is about an average and every family’s needs are different. We understand this and want to meet you where you are.

For an additional fee we can have fingerprints taken and locks of hair. Fingerprints and locks of hair can be used for a number of different ideas.

Are little mementos to keep with you after services. You can incorporate fingerprints, lock of hair and/or dried flowers. 

During our intake process, any personal effects will be documented. During the arrangement we will review the items that were brought in, and you will be given the option to tell us what you would like done with the personal effects. You can choose to have them cremated with, Discard of, and/or return to family. If you choose to have personal effects returned then you will be able to receive those effects once the cremation is complete, the death certificates are in, and everything is ready to either be picked up at CODA, delivered to you, and/or mailed.

Cemetery at Sunset offers a variety of placement options. Contact the Cemetery for more information. (509) 943-1114 Option 2.

o Lakefront Estates

o Boulder Memorials

o Scatter Gardens

o Wellspring / Feather Sone Garden

o Veteran / First Responders Plaza

o Memorial Coping and Pavers

o Danling Granite

o Glass Front Niches

o Memorial Beveled Walls

Download the application from our veteran’s page. You will need to know your service members Rank, entry and exit dates. You can turn this application into your local post office to receive your flag. For additional veterans’ information visit our veterans FAQ.

Yes, you can still plan a gathering with us. We can also assist you with service memorial folders, register books, newspaper announcements, memorial DVDs. 

If you are looking for a larger gathering with all the bells and whistles, we suggest reaching out to Events at Sunset. They have a 6,000 square-foot facility located on the grounds of Sunset Gardens. The facility is furnished and designed to accommodate groups as large as 250, with both indoor and outdoor event areas. They also offer catering options, flowers, military honors, dove or balloon releases, or other requests.

It’s never too late to pay tribute to your loved one

You are more than welcome to bring in your food items.

We do not offer any catering. If this is a service you want, we recommend Events at Sunset. They have a variety of catering options to choose from. 

We will take the photos you have selected from your collection, and we will create a slide show. We can play this during your gathering. Pick out a few songs that remind you of your loved one or their favorite songs. Then you can have this for years to come. 

We use “One Room” for recording that allows your service to be live streamed for loved ones who can’t attend that day, and the live stream is recorded and saved for you to cherish forever.

Yes, we offer 3 different packages of Stationary. Including Memorial Folders, Acknowledgements and Envelopes, Register Book, Life Journey Candle, and Bookmarks. Can select individual items as well.

If you wish to purchase any stationery items, we suggest bringing 4-6 photos with you to the arrangement.

Reach out to our specialist for more information. 

A death certificate is an official document issued by the government, which declares cause of death, location of death, time of death and some other personal information about the deceased.

There are several reasons why you may need to obtain death certificate. Most often it’s to serve as proof for legal purposes. These reasons may include accessing pension benefits, claiming life insurance, or settling estates

Some companies require a certified copy. Contact the organization to find out what they need. Most families order 2-3. It just depends on what the needs are. 

After your first order you will need to go through the health dept to obtain more. 

https://www.bfhd.wa.gov/programs_services/vital_records

Yes, you will need to go through the Heath Department. Follow the link for instructions and location. https://www.bfhd.wa.gov/programs_services/vital_records 

Follow the link for Instruction on how to file an Affidavit.                                  https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/vital-records/how-correct-record

A death notice is an announcement in a newspaper that gives the name of the person who passed and details of the funeral or memorial service, as well as where donations can be made.

Obituaries put words to your loved one’s life and help their legacy live on. Remember we’re only limited by our imagination. 

• We can post your loved one’s obituary directly on our website. You can send in your final copy to info@codaalternative.com. Once we have it posted we can send you a link that you can easily share with friends and family

• If you want your loved one’s obituary posted in the Tri City Herald, we recommend working directly with them. It’s a process requiring tight deadlines including payment, and it’s most efficiently handled by the family of the loved one to ensure the information is accurate and timely. You can also visit https://placement.memoriams.com/Tri-CityHerald/Obituary and complete online. Customer service: 855-637-6638

o Remember to allow patience and time for yourself. 

o Make a list of people and places to notify of your loved one’s death.

• Family and Friends

• Doctor

• Personal Representative and/or Trustee

• Churches, Clubs, and other Organizations

• Bank(s)

• Insurance companies

• Social Security

o Make a list of regular bills and when each are due. Make note if any are on automatic payment. Some examples

• Utility bills: Phone, internet, electric, and heating, etc.

• Long term debts: Home mortgages, bank line of credit, car loans, etc.

• Rental payments: Home, apartment, assisted living, or nursing home.

• Credit Cards

• Insurance bills: Health, Long Term Care, homeowner’s, car, life insurance, etc.

• Property tax bills

o Access to back accounts

o Check and take care of the deceased’s home, property, and pets, if necessary.

o Contact the Post Office with forwarding information, if necessary. Stop all deliveries of unneeded newspapers, home care services, and cancel any appointments for doctors, dentists, etc.

o Email Accounts, keep all email accounts open for several months, because important correspondence might only be accessible through email accounts. You will need to locate the username and password for each account.

o Cancel services that are no longer needed: Cell phones, internet

This is not a service CODA provides. 

• If you need to report a death or apply for benefits, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can speak to a Social Security Representative between 8:00 am – 7:00 pm Monday – Friday. 

• Local Social Security Office

Address: Suite A 8131 W Klamath Ct, Kennewick, WA 99336

Phone: 1-800-772-1213

TTY: 1-800-325-0778

Fax: 1-833-950-2626

Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Will writing our own obituaries become a trend? Maybe. We know many more people are writing their own obituaries today as it's often given as an assignment in certain college and university courses.

How you document your loved one's life story is up to you. With that said, we recommend that in addition to the facts of a death notice listed above, the enhanced death notice, known as an obituary, could also include these details:

Parents' names

Information about the spouse and children

Church affiliations

Job or career information

Personal and professional accomplishments

Personal character and interests

Influence on his or her community

It's now time to push the facts aside. Sit back and think about the anecdotes and memories you could share to shed some light on your loved one's character and personal interests. Bring factual details into play whenever you can to help the reader clearly see who your loved one was, how they lived, what they did, who and what they loved. The more rich in detail, the more memorable the obituary becomes.

Before you give a copy of the final draft of your loved one's obituary, be sure to read it through twice or even three times. You're looking for errors in spelling and grammar but you also want to make sure your facts are straight.

We would be happy to offer some suggestions if you're stuck. Call us to discover how we can help you to shine a brighter spotlight on their life.

You can start by filling out our online arranger or you can give us a call. We will ask a few questions to help determine what you are looking for. 

To start we will send you a Vital Statistics form. We will gather information needed to prepare the Pre-Planning paperwork. 

We will schedule a time to meet, review, and sign

o Make a list of regular bills and when each are due. Make note if any are on automatic payment. Some examples

• Utility bills: Phone, internet, electric, and heating, etc.

• Long term debts: Home mortgages, bank line of credit, car loans, etc.

• Rental payments: Home, apartment, assisted living, or nursing home.

• Credit Cards

• Insurance bills: Health, Long Term Care, homeowner’s, car, life insurance, etc.

• Property tax bills

o Access to back accounts

o Check and take care of the deceased’s home, property, and pets, if necessary.

o Contact the Post Office with forwarding information, if necessary. Stop all deliveries of unneeded newspapers, home care services, and cancel any appointments for doctors, dentists, etc.

o Email Accounts, keep all email accounts open for several months, because important correspondence might only be accessible through email accounts. You will need to locate the username and password for each account.

o Cancel services that are no longer needed: Cell phones, internet

Pre-planning before the need arises is a sound economic decision that relieves your loved ones of the financial burden during a time of loss. With pre-planning, individuals feel reassured that the funeral will reflect their wishes and that important financial decisions will not be made during a time of stress. 

Most people are not aware that when a death occurs payment is often due upfront and in full. Preplanning gives you time to think about what you want, and you can pay the costs over time, so it is more affordable.

We recommend Pre-Planning before the need arises because it is the responsible thing to do. Alleviating decisions and paying in advance is the best gift you can give your loved ones. 

You should Pre-Plan before the need arises. No one should have to make final decisions and worry about finances on the worst day of their lives. Planning today avoids conflict in the future. 

Is additional coverage to relieve your family of the stress and financial implications in bringing you home should death occur 75 miles or more from your legal residence. 

Cemetery at Sunset offers a variety of placement options. Contact the Cemetery for more information. (509) 943-1114 Option 2.

o Lakefront Estates

o Boulder Memorials

o Scatter Gardens

o Wellspring / Feather Sone Garden

o Veteran / First Responders Plaza

o Memorial Coping and Pavers

o Danling Granite

o Glass Front Niches

o Memorial Beveled Walls

When a loved one dies, grieving family members and friends often are confronted with dozens of decisions about the funeral - all of which must be made quickly and often under great emotional duress.

Are looking for burial or cremation?

Will there be a service? What kind of service are you envisioning?

What is included in their burial or cremation packages?

Does the funeral home have the type of facilities you'd like?

If you'd like to have the funeral service at the funeral home, can it accommodate the number of people you expect will attend?

Does the funeral home offer the goods and /or services that you're interested in purchasing?

If not, are they willing to help you find the goods and or services you'd like?

If you're interested in bringing in your own products, does the funeral director seem amenable to this idea?

Consider how much money you want to spend on the funeral. This number can include the cost of all products and funeral home services you will be purchasing, as well as all cemetery costs.

If you have a sense of the amount of money you want to spend on the funeral, is the funeral director willing to work with you based on your budget?

Does the funeral director understand your religious or cultural needs?

Shop around in advance, compare prices from 2 -3 funeral homes. It allows you to comparison shop without time constraints, creates an opportunity for family discussion, and lifts some of the burden from your family.

If you have any questions about how to price shop or need more guidance give us a call, our specialists are here to help.

For an additional fee, yes. You can have one or the other or both. Fingerprints are stored in our secure online database. You will receive a unique pin. This pin will give you access to your loved one’s prints, you can order keepsakes and/jewelry directly from the site in the comfort of your own home on your own time. Fingerprints can also be taken during pre-planning.

Solidified remains are a clean alternative to ashes that allow you to feel close and connected to your loved one in daily life. Share your solidified remains with your family and let everyone heal in a way that is special to them. Don’t let your loved one’s remains sit forgotten in a closet or garage. 

Are little mementos to keep with you after services. You can incorporate ashes, fingerprints, lock of hair and/or dried flowers. 

Yes! We are proud to say that we are partnered with Eaton’s Glass Works based out of Emmett, ID. Alan has been in the glass industry for about 20 years! He has his art down to a science and incorporating loved one’s ashes in such a unique and creative way. Ask a specialist for more information!

Witness cremation offers the family the chance to be present with their loved one as the cremation commences. It’s a very personal service that can be comforting and provide closure.

You can accompany your loved one into the building and crematory room up until they enter the cremation chamber. 

o Disclaimer: Since we utilize the crematorium at Einan’s at Sunset. We must follow established guidelines. You will only be allowed to stay until the cremation commences. Einan’s has a crematorium schedule, and CODA will select an available slot. 

Private viewing, without embalming, is available for families (no greater than 10 people) needing to say a final goodbye. To help create a positive memory for your family, funeral directors will set features (positioning the mouth and closing the eyes), perform special sanitary precautions, dress the body in a hospital gown, and cover the body with a blanket from the shoulders down.

We will take the photos you have selected from your collection, and we will create a slide show. We can play this during your gathering. Pick out a few songs that remind you of your loved one or their favorite songs. Then you can have this for years to come. 

We use “One Room” for recording that allows your service to be live streamed for loved ones who can’t attend that day, and the live stream is recorded and saved for you to cherish forever.

Yes, we offer 3 different packages of Stationary. Including Memorial Folders, Acknowledgements and Envelopes, Register Book, Life Journey Candle, and Bookmarks. Can select individual items as well.

If you wish to purchase any stationery items, we suggest bringing 4-6 photos with you to the arrangement.