LiElla Kelly, After-Death Care Educator

A home funeral is a personal, family-centered celebration planned and carried out by family and friends. It's not a new idea. Until the late 1800s, "home funerals" were simply called funerals. When a loved one died, families washed and dressed them, combed their hair and laid them out. While neighbors built the casket or wound the shroud, others dug the grave, made a meal, or sat with the body to say their goodbyes. 

Home funerals are legal in all 50 states. In Montana, families can take care of everything that is necessary on their own, without hiring a funeral director.  Some families may prefer to hire a funeral director to provide specific services. These usually include filling out paperwork and transportation, but hands-on care is still an option. There is no right or wrong way to do things. 

Caring for the body of a loved one is safe and possible. Home funerals are a beautiful, meaningful, cost-effective option to help us say goodbye.

After-death Care Educators are not Funeral Directors and we do not care for the dead or plan funerals. Rather, we serve as guides. We provide education and support to those who wish to care for their own.

• Visit the National Home Funeral Alliance