News Archives - Page 4 of 6 - Walton's Funerals and Cremations in Sparks and Reno, Nevada

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As Seen in NNBW: People: Jennifer Crockett promoted by Walton’s Funerals and Cremations

Walton’s Funerals and Cremations announced Jennifer Crockett has been promoted to Family Care Center manager/cremationist.

Crockett first joined Walton’s as an initial call specialist and crematory supervisor, where she assisted in contacting families experiencing immediate death, providing a clear explanation of the process, providing safe transportation, scheduling and carrying out cremations, and working with WCME in responding to catastrophic scenes.

With seven years of experience, Crockett also worked in immunohistochemistry and cryosectioning at the physiology and cell biology lab at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Crockett received her Associate of Applied Science in criminal justice, investigations, as well as her Associate of Art degree from Truckee Meadows Community College.

Crockett has served as a volunteer for PILSOS: A Time for Remembrance, at Caughlin Ranch Elementary, and is currently a softball player for the City of Reno Adult Softball League.

In her new role, Crockett will provide proper care of decedents, maintain a safe work environment for staff, recruitment, training, ensure day-to-day operations meet legal and ethical requirements, and develop protocols to achieve successful outcomes.

See full article here.

Walton’s Funerals and Cremations announced Kendra Marquez has been named executive assistant.

Prior to her role at Walton’s, Marquez served as a production associate at a local company. She has a strong background in preparing screen print orders, imaging on screens, and preparing paperwork to make the transition from the beginning of the production line to the next step as easy and smoothly as possible.

A Reno native, Marquez received an Associate of Science from Carrington College.

In her new role, Marquez will be responsible for providing high-level administrative support by conducting research, gathering information, preparing statistical reports, narratives, and surveys, handling information requests, and performing clerical functions such as preparing and receiving correspondence.

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult moments you can face in life. However, planning your funeral in advance can make it easier for your family. One of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones is planning and funding funeral arrangements in advance.

Today, more individuals and families are making the decision to prearrange their funerals than ever before. Because of factors such as inflation, fewer extended family members living close by, and other changes in our society, planning your own funeral can make a lot of sense. Some of the most common reasons people give for pre arranging their own funerals include:

• Allows your wishes to be known

• Reduces stress for friends and family at an already emotional time

• Saves money

• Guarantees your family will never have to pay more for your funeral — no matter what happens with inflation

• Shows you care

• Relieves your loved ones of the financial responsibility

Funeral or memorial service? Burial or cremation? Not sure what you want? Then imagine how your family will feel when they’re forced to make those decisions when you die. Save them the added turmoil, potential disagreements and second-guessing. Make those decisions now and let them know what you want.

Pre-planning can remove any potential financial burden from family members. If your funeral pre-planning involves pre-payment, this will save your family money and avoid any financial burden. When you buy a guaranteed plan that specifies the exact goods and services you want, the current price you pay into the plan will cover these expenses later, no matter when your death occurs. That means even if prices go up, your loved ones won’t have to pay more.

Rick Noel

But not all pre-paid funeral plans make sense financially, and regulations can vary by state and province. Understanding what works, what doesn’t, and what questions you need to ask will ensure that you find the right plan that works for you and your family.

Once you’ve made your decisions, your money is set aside with a third party, either via an insurance policy or in a trust account. This ensures your monthly payments are in one of the following safe places:

Pre-need insurance policy: you pay premiums for a set amount of time—usually 3 to 10 years, unless you choose a lump sum payment. The policy is in effect as long as your payments are up to date, and the benefit is paid directly to the funeral home.

Revocable trust: money (a lump sum or payments) for funeral expenses is placed into a trust with a trustee or beneficiary that you can change. The trust can be cashed out or canceled whenever you’d like. The benefit is paid directly to the funeral home.

Irrevocable trust: money (a lump sum or payments) for funeral expenses is placed into a trust that cannot be canceled. The trust has no cash value, and the money in the trust cannot be removed. Changes to the trustee or beneficiary or dissolution of the trust cannot take place without the permission of the trustee. Families usually designate a trust as irrevocable only as a state requirement for Medicare or Medicaid assistance. The benefit is paid directly to the funeral home.

In addition, prepaid funeral plans usually cover these items:

• Services of a funeral director and funeral home staff

• Transportation to the funeral home and care of loved one

• Casket or cremation container

• Cremation services and a container

• Venue for the funeral and/or reception

• Catering

• Transportation to the cemetery

• Burial vault

• Flowers, stationery, decor, keepsakes for family and mementos for friends may be planned and included in prepaid costs

No matter what options you choose when pre-planning for your funeral, the most important part is family communication. Many people often forget that informing their family members about their prepaid funeral plans is crucial to planning. Sometimes they include the details in their will, but family members don’t typically read the will until after the funeral. Similarly, a person might keep an insurance policy or trust in a safe deposit box, but grieving family members may not go through that box right away.

Though you may have put forward your best effort to let your loved ones grieve without the financial burden, they may make their own arrangements if they were not informed beforehand.

To ensure that your wishes are carried out, it’s important you choose the people you designate to handle them carefully and make sure they are fully informed about what you want.

The most important thing to know is there isn’t a “right” or “wrong” way to plan a funeral. Instead, create a unique, personalized plan that honors your personality and wishes.

Walton’s Funerals & Cremations has been family owned and operated since 1959 when Ed McCaffery purchased the original Walton’s Funeral Home, located at the corner of Second and Vine Streets. Rick Noel has been with the company for 21 years, most recently serving as General Manager, before becoming an owner in 2019. Over the past 11 years, he has been responsible for daily operations, financial management, staff oversight, community relations and marketing. Rick is a third-generation funeral service professional and has been a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer for 36 years.

With so many uncertainties that can surround the future, pre-planning for your funeral can bring a certainty that will help your family feel at ease. It isn’t easy to sit down and have these conversations with your loved ones about funeral arrangements, but the peace of mind you will give to them is worth the conversation.

The benefits to your family will be real and appreciated, ranging from spiritual choices to financial assistance. From selecting an ideal permanent memorial, to designing the service, to paying in advance, you can make the day exactly as you imagine it. And your loved ones will know they’re fulfilling your wishes. Instead of getting bogged down in
details, your family will be able to focus on celebrating your life.

Rick Noel

Unforeseen expenses can cause arguments in even the most loving families when dealing with the stressor of death. Funeral services are often an unexpected expense, but they don’t have to be. You can choose to fund your pre-arranged plans now, and even if prices for various services and products increase, your family won’t have to pay more for these guaranteed items. You don’t have to pre-pay if you pre-plan, but it is the best way to take the financial burden off your family. Also, it’s important to know that your payments and plans can be adjusted later, should your wishes change over time. So, there’s nothing to regret by going through the process now. Your decisions don’t
have to be final.

Setting aside money to take care of any large, expected expense is a smart thing to do, and a funeral is no different. The key is to understand how pre-paid funeral plans work.

So how do you find what works, what doesn’t and what questions you need to ask to ensure you find the right plan for you?

What are Prepaid Funeral Plans?

A pre-paid funeral is a plan made with a funeral home that’s been paid ahead of time (a third party retains the funds until the death occurs). There are different ways to do this, depending on your preferences and financial concerns. The plans are tailored to your specific choices, but typically range from $3,000 to $15,000. You can choose to either pay in full up front or pay in monthly installments for a determined time.

In addition to the cost of the funeral, you should expect your family to later pay for additional items, such as an obituary notice, death certificates, flowers, cemetery expenses, etc., unless you choose to also include allotted amounts in your plan to apply toward these expenses.

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most painful and stressful realities but being aware of the reality of death is healthy and will help family members to cope.

Consulting a funeral professional is a prudent thing to do and affords you the opportunity to ask questions and get clarification. At Walton’s, there is no charge to seek counsel about pre-planning. The only expense would be in funding your prearrangements if you choose to do so. Even if you choose not to prepay now, it is highly recommended you at least express your wishes and keep them on file at the funeral home.

Walton’s Funerals and Cremations is one of the largest family-owned funeral home businesses in the nation, with seven locations in the northern Nevada area. Walton’s is committed to helping their local community celebrate and honor their loved ones. They provide assistance with all types of funerals and cremations, including veteran memorial services and celebration of life services.

Thank you so much to the University of Nevada, Reno’s Basketball team for inviting us to the Coach on the Court event on October 20th.

This spring, Walton’s co-owners Rick Noel and Kim Kandaras attended a charity event for Dress for Success and won the auction bid for dinner at the home of Carson City Mayor, Lori Bagwell. The dinner was held on Saturday, November 5th at the lovely home of Mayor Bagwell with Rick Noel, Kim Kandaras, their spouses, and some of the staff of Walton’s Chapel of the Valley in Carson City. Dress for Success Reno – Northern Nevada is dedicated to empowering women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

On October 21st, Walton’s co-owners Rick Noel and Kim Kandaras attended a gala for Dress For Success Reno – Northern Nevada, celebrating the organization’s fifth anniversary, at which they sponsored a table. This wonderful organization is dedicated to empowering women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Walton’s is proud to support Dress For Success Reno – Northern Nevada!

Walton’s Funerals and Cremations is pleased to announce that Ted Williams has been named manager and funeral director of the O’Brien-Rogers & Crosby branch.
With more than 30 years of experience, Williams previously worked as the manager and funeral director at the Walton’s Sparks branch.
He earned a certificate from the Cypress Mortuary College in 1986 and shortly after received a Bachelor of Art in Marketing from San Diego University.
Williams is a Nevada State Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. A third generation of Northern Nevada, Williams is a member of the Rotary Club of Sparks and the Sparks Sons & Daughters of Italy.

In his new role, Williams will oversee and manage day-to-day business operations, as well as work directly with grieving families to arrange and direct funeral and memorial services.

Check out the article in NNBW here.

As seen in Peak NV, read the full article here.

Walton’s Funerals & Cremations is pleased to announce Katrina Hodgden has been named human resources specialist.

Bringing more than 8 years of experience to her new role, Hodgden was previously director of human resources for a plastic and metal fabrication company.

She has a strong background in employee relations, payroll, recruiting and training, on-boarding and off-boarding, and benefits administration.

Hodgden earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in accounting from Kaplan University in Davenport, Iowa. In her new role, Hodgden will assist in employee relations, training, on-boarding, and benefits administration.

She will be located at Walton’s Funerals & Cremations headquarters.