And should we die…
all is well.
A binder of last instruction
Your thoughtful planning
Index
God Grant Me the Courage Quote ... 3
Harold B. Lee Quote ... 4
First Things to Do ... 5
Special Household Instructions ... 6
Location of Personal Papers ... 7
Cars ... 8
Important Warranties and Receipts ... 9
Money from Employer ... 10
Money from Social Security ... 11
Money from Life Insurance ... 12
Money from Other Sources ... 12
Money from Stocks, Bonds and Notes/Bills ... 13
Savings Accounts ... 14
Certificates of Deposit (CD’s) ... 15
Checking Accounts ... 16
Safety Deposit Box ... 16
Other Assets ... 17
House, Condominium, Cooperative ... 18
Information about Rental ... 18
Debt ... 19
Outstanding Loans ... 20
Last Testament (This I Believe) ... 21
Special Ideas, Thoughts or Wishes... 22
Death Certificate/Cemetery ... 23
About the Obituary/Picture ... 24
My Obituary ... 25
About Funerals ... 26
My Wishes for My Funeral ... 27
About Pallbearers ... 28
My Funeral Program... 29
“God grant me the
courage
to face the inevitable…
and the prudence
Death of a loved one
Is the most severe test that you will ever face,
and if you can rise above your griefs
and if you will trust in God,
Then you will be able to surmount any other
difficulty with which you may be faced.
First Things to Do
1. If a person dies in the home, you should call “911” or hospice immediately.
2. Inform your Bishop: Phone:
3. Call a friend to come help answer phones/make phone calls/answer the door etc. Name: Phone:
4. Notify your funeral home Name: Phone:
(They will arrange transport across state lines if necessary.)
5. Do NOT post on Facebook…
6. Notify relatives (Heads of households) (see attached)
7. Notify close friends (see attached)
8. Notify employer Phone:
9. Notify attorney Phone:
10. Notify accountant Phone:
11. Notify family doctor(s) Phone:
12. The death certificate is generated by the funeral home. They will give you a number of them. After that, if you need more, request multiple copies (10) of the death certificate from County/State Bureau of Vital Statistics Phone:
13. Notify mortgage bank Phone:
Special Household Instructions
You may want to include a sketch of your floor plan here…
1. Pet care
Vet: Phone:
Possible caregiver for pet: Phone: 2. Yard care
3. Newspapers
4. Garbage pick-up
5. Location of water valves for shut off
6. Location of gas valves for shut off
7. Location of breaker panel
8. Instructions to start electrical generator
9. Location of septic tank and drain field
10. Location of keys/combinations to locks/safes
11. Location of fireproof safe(s)
12. Other instructions: (i.e. The silk plants are… or Before moving the piano…)
13. Passwords for electronics:
Cell Phone: Other:
Computer: Other:
Internet: Other:
Location of Personal Papers
Birth certificates
Divorce decree
Durable power of attorney
Inventory of personal property
Last will and testament (see attached)
Living will * (see attached)
Marriage certificate
Military records
Adoption papers
Income tax returns:
Stock certificates:
Other:
Cars
Year: Make: Model:
Body type: License number:
VIN number: Color:
Location of title:
Year: Make: Model:
Body type: License number:
VIN number: Color:
Location of title:
Year: Make: Model:
Body type: License number:
VIN number: Color:
Location of title:
Year: Make: Model:
Body type: License number:
VIN number: Color:
Location of title:
Year: Make: Model:
Body type: License number:
VIN number: Color:
Important Warranties and Receipts
Item: Location of warranty:
Item: Location of warranty:
Item: Location of warranty:
Item: Location of warranty:
Item: Location of warranty:
Item: Location of warranty:
Item: Location of warranty:
Item: Location of warranty:
Item: Location of warranty:
Item: Location of warranty:
Item: Location of warranty:
Money from Employer
1. Employer: Contact person:
Phone:
2. Unused sick leave: Contact person:
Phone:
3. Other employee benefits: Contact person: Phone:
4. Pension Plan: Contact person:
Phone:
5. Profit Sharing: Contact person:
Phone:
6. Accident Insurance: Contact person:
Phone:
7. Thrift Savings Plan: Contact person:
Money from Social Security
1-800-772-1213 or www.socialsecurity.gov
Social Security Number Name on Card
Location of Card
Other names under which you had Social Security earnings (i.e. maiden name):
Lump sum to spouse: ($255 if eligible) $
Monthly benefit: $
Social Security benefits should be applied for as soon as possible following the death of a wage earner. The average time for benefits to begin is 45 days, so doing this right away is important. Family members will need to take the following documents to the
Social Security office (if the phone call to Social Security doesn’t take care of it):
1. Social Security number of deceased 2. Death certificate
3. Marriage license
4. Previous divorce papers of deceased
5. Birth certificates of deceased, spouse, children, and step-children living in the home of the deceased
6. Military discharge papers
7. Income tax returns for previous two years
8. Social Security numbers of spouse, children, and stepchildren living in household:
Name: SS#:
Name: SS#:
Name: SS#:
Name: SS#:
Money from Life Insurance
Company: Phone:
Address: Agent:
Amount of insurance: $
Beneficiary(s):
Policy number: Issue date:
Policy type: Maturity date:
How paid out: Location of policy:
Company: Phone:
Address: Agent:
Amount of insurance: $
Beneficiary(s):
Policy number: Issue date:
Policy type: Maturity date:
How paid out: Location of policy:
Money from Other Sources
Accident Insurance:
Contact person: Phone:
Policy number: Beneficiary:
Location of policy: Auto Insurance:
Contact person: Phone:
Policy number: Beneficiary:
Location of policy:
Homeowners/Property Insurance:
Contact person: Phone:
Policy number: Beneficiary:
Location of policy: Medical Insurance:
Contact person: Phone:
Policy number: Beneficiary:
Location of policy:
Mortgage Insurance Company:
Contact person: Phone:
Policy number: Beneficiary:
Money from Stocks, Bonds and Notes/Bills
Stocks
Company: Phone:
Address: Agent:
Name on certificate(s)
Certificate number(s): Number of shares:
Purchase price: $ /share Purchase date:
Location of stock certificates:
Bonds
Issuer: Phone:
Address: Agent:
Issued to: Bond number(s):
Purchase price: $ Purchase date:
Face amount: Maturity date:
Location of certificate(s):
Notes/bills
Issuer: Phone:
Address: Agent:
Issued to: Note number(s):
Purchase price: $ Purchase date:
Face amount: Maturity date:
Savings Accounts
Two people on each account will simplify things in case of death;
The second person doesn’t have to be a signer, just a P.O.D. (payable on death).
Bank: Address:
Phone: Account type:
Name on account: Account number:
Location of passbook: Special instructions:
Bank: Address:
Phone: Account type:
Name on account: Account number:
Location of passbook: Special instructions:
Bank: Address:
Phone: Account type:
Name on account: Account number:
Certificates of Deposit (CD’s)
Two people on each certificate will simplify things in case of death; The second person does not have to be a signer, just a P.O.D. (payable on death).
Bank: Address:
Phone:
Name on CD:
Account number: Amount: $
Location of Certificate: Special instructions:
Bank: Address:
Phone:
Name on CD:
Account number: Amount: $
Location of Certificate: Special instructions:
Bank: Address:
Phone:
Name on CD:
Account number: Amount: $
Checking Accounts
Two people on each account will simplify things in case of death;
The second person does not have to be a signer, just a P.O.D. (payable on death).
Bank: Address:
Phone: Account type:
Name on account:
Account number: Location of cancelled checks:
Location of statements: Special instructions:
Bank: Address:
Phone: Account type:
Name on account: Account number:
Location of cancelled checks: Location of statements:
Special instructions:
Bank: Address:
Phone: Account type:
Name on account: Account number:
Location of cancelled checks: Location of statements:
Special instructions:
Safety Deposit Box
Bank: Address:
Phone:
Name on account: Box number:
Location of keys (be sure to put the name of the bank on the keys):
House, Condominium, Cooperative
(Print one for each dwelling)
In whose name:
Address of house/condo/coop:
Lot: Block: On map called:
Other description:
Attorney at closing: Phone:
Location of statement of closing, policy of title insurance, deed, land survey, appraisal, inspection, etc.
Cost of house:
Initial buying price: $ Purchase closing fee:
Other costs (i.e. real estate agent, legal fees) $
Improvements as of Total: $
Location of home improvement bills:
Mortgage(s)
Held by Phone:
Amount of original mortgage: $ Date taken:
Amount owed now: $ Life insurance on
Method of payment: mortgage? Yes No
Location of payment:
Veteran’s exemption claim: (Questions? Contact local tax assessor) Location of documentation:
Annual amount: $
Property taxes
Amount yearly: $ Location of receipts:
Due on: and annually.
Information about Rental
Lease: Yes No Lease expires on:
Landlord: Phone:
Address:
Debt
Credit Cards
Outstanding Loans
Bank: Address:
Phone: Loan type:
Name on loan:
Account number: Monthly payments: $
Location of papers: Collateral (if any):
Life insurance on loan? Yes No
Bank: Address:
Phone: Loan type:
Name on loan:
Account number: Monthly payments: $
Location of papers: Collateral (if any):
Life insurance on loan? Yes No
Bank: Address:
Phone: Loan type:
Name on loan:
Account number: Monthly payments: $
Location of papers: Collateral (if any):
Last Testament
(This I Believe)
Write down the things you believe.
Special Ideas, Thoughts or Wishes
Express your thoughts of love for your family or a message of farewell.
Share an idea you have for fairly distributing your personal property among your children. Write something that might make them smile.
Death Certificate
The death certificate is generated by the funeral director and is then recorded at the Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Facts for the funeral director for death certificate
My full name:
Date of birth: Birthplace:
Social Security number
Residence:
Marital Status: married divorced widowed single Spouse:
Father’s name: Father’s birthplace: Mother’s maiden name: Mother’s birthplace:
Length of residence in state: Military service? Yes No
If yes, serial number: Date of active duty:
Date of discharge: Copy of DD214 (discharge papers)
Location of DD214:
Cemetery
Name of cemetery:
Lot #: Block #: Section #:
When purchased: Deed number:
Location of deed:
Contact person: Phone:
About the Obituary
NOTE: The newspaper will want an obituary as soon as possible so having this done is a real blessing to your loved ones.
In a standard obituary the family gives the facts to the funeral home who then writes it and submits it to the newspaper. The newspaper will edit it.
A family tribute is more personal (i.e. grandpa was the best fisherman in the world) and costs more. This is written by the family and given to the funeral home.
The funeral home then submits it to the newspaper.
Picture
My Obituary
Specific things I want included in my obituary (beyond what is in the life sketch):
Full Name Street address Birthplace Birth date
Resided in County State
Lived here since
Marital status
Spouse name (including maiden name)
Marriage date Marriage place
Occupation
Company
Type of business industry
Veteran/Branch of service
Serial No.
Name of war/Dates served Organization
Rank
Enlisted at Date
Discharged at Date
Location of Discharge Certificate
Father’s full name
Father’s Birthplace
Mother’s full maiden name
Mother’s Birthplace
About Funerals
A funeral is a place of joy where good memories are talked about and families draw together. As you consider your funeral program, remember that funerals serve a purpose and are a necessary part of grieving—the lives and hearts of your family and friends will be empty without you. Your funeral can give your loved ones hope in eternal things beyond this life. Funerals fall under the same protocol as sacrament meetings—they are a religious ceremony that emphasizes Christ. Therefore, the music should be planned with that mind. Church protocol dictates that the Bishop give the final remarks.
My Wishes for My Funeral
My choice of funeral home: Pre-paid funeral plan:
Location of ownership certificate/deed for cemetery property
Special requests (i.e. jewelry, clothing, etc.):
Other instructions (i.e. fingernails painted? shoes on?):
Favorite passage(s) of scripture:
Chief Coordinator (the person who will work with your spouse and children to make final arrangements and will use their suggestions):
Casket type (wood/metal/fiberglass)
Headstone type (bronze/granite/other) Standing or flat on ground
Do you wish a church service? Yes No Name of church:
City: State:
Do you wish a funeral home service? Yes No Name of funeral home:
City: State:
Do you wish a viewing? Yes No Do you wish an open casket? Yes No Would you like the viewing at the funeral home or at the church?
Name of funeral home: Location of church:
City: State:
Do you wish a graveside service? Yes No Name of cemetery:
About Pallbearers
Active pallbearers actually carry the casket from the church to the funeral coach and from the funeral coach to the graveside. Six is the preferred number, but they can use eight.
“Honorary pallbearers” are those above the number of eight or those unable to attend the funeral who receive special recognition.
Request for pallbearers:
Active Pallbearers:
Honorary Pallbearers:
My Funeral Program
Musical numbers I would like sung/played and by whom:
Music: Musician:
Music: Musician:
Music: Musician:
Music: Musician:
Music: Musician:
Life sketch given by:
Life sketch should last twenty minutes at most and could include:
My full name:
Date of birth: Birthplace:
Where I grew up: Schools attended:
Degrees and certificates: Occupations:
Date and location of marriage: Spouse:
Children and where they live:
Various places lived:
Honors and awards:
Leadership positions held and approximate length of time held:
Member of organizations:
Military service? Yes No Details:
About Memorials
Memorials are donations given in memory of the deceased. The funeral home will have envelopes for major charities. I would request that memorials be given to the following
charity(s) or other special requests i.e. “In lieu of flowers, take your family dinner” or “In lieu of flowers, save your money.”