Although you are not required to place an obituary, there are many reasons why one should. It is a permanent record of the death. Many times, an insurance company will request an obituary along with a copy of the death certificate before issuing the proceeds of the policy. There a also times when family and friends are unable to attend the funeral service and some funeral homes websites allow for condolences to be placed along side the online version. Ultimately, it is a personal choice and our directors are happy to assist in the writing and placing one in the local as well as any newspaper across the country.