Irby Funeral Home

10/27/2025

10/24/2025

Estate Settlement Timelines: What Families Should Know

After a loved one passes, one of the most common questions families have is: “How long will it take to settle the estate?”

The answer varies, but here’s a general breakdown of what may affect the timeline:

✅ Probate Process – If the estate goes through probate, it can take anywhere from 6 months to a year, sometimes longer if the estate is large or contested.
✅ Paying Debts & Taxes – Creditors must be notified and given time to file claims. Final income taxes or estate taxes may also need to be filed before assets can be distributed.
✅ Distributing Assets – Once debts are settled, the remaining property, accounts, and belongings are distributed according to the will or state law (if no will exists).
✅ Complex Estates – If real estate needs to be sold, or if there are business interests, investments, or legal disputes, the process can take additional time.

On average, most estates settle in about 9–12 months, but every situation is unique.

At Irby Funeral Home, we know this process can feel overwhelming during an already emotional time. While we are not legal advisors, we encourage families to consult an attorney for estate matters—and we’re always here to guide you toward trusted resources that can help.

Planning ahead by organizing documents and making your wishes clear can ease this burden for your family in the future.

10/23/2025

Taking a Child to a Funeral

When a loved one passes, many parents wonder whether their child should attend the funeral. The decision often depends on the child’s age, maturity, and relationship with the person who has passed. Here are a few things to consider:

Talk About What to Expect – Explain what a funeral is in simple, age-appropriate terms. Let them know people may be sad, crying, or quiet.

Give Them a Choice – When possible, allow the child to decide if they want to attend. Being part of the goodbye can help them process their feelings.

Offer Comfort – Bring a special toy, blanket, or book to help them feel secure.

Involve Them Gently – Some children find healing in drawing a picture, writing a note, or placing a flower to honor their loved one.

Attending a funeral can help children understand loss and experience the love and support of family and community. No matter what you choose, guiding them with honesty and compassion makes all the difference.

At Irby Funeral Home, we are here to support families of all ages through life’s most tender moments.

10/22/2025

How to Tell Your Spouse You’ve Preplanned Your Funeral

Talking about final wishes isn’t always easy, but preplanning is one of the greatest gifts of love you can give your family. Sharing this decision with your spouse can bring peace of mind for both of you. Here are a few ways to approach the conversation:

Choose a Calm Moment – Pick a time when you’re both relaxed and able to talk without distractions.

Lead with Love – Remind them that your goal is to ease their burden when the time comes.

Share the Benefits – Explain how preplanning locks in costs, honors your wishes, and removes stressful decisions later.

Invite Them In – Encourage your spouse to share their own thoughts and wishes. This can open the door for planning together.

It may feel uncomfortable at first, but many couples find relief in knowing these important decisions are made with love and care.

At Irby Funeral Home, we’re here to guide families through every step of preplanning with compassion and understanding.

10/21/2025

State vs. National Veterans Cemeteries

Families of veterans often wonder about the difference between state and national veterans cemeteries. Both are honorable resting places, but there are a few key distinctions:

Eligibility: Both types honor those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, though some state cemeteries may also allow certain state National Guard or Reservists who don’t meet national eligibility.

Funding & Oversight:

National Veterans Cemeteries are run by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and funded by the federal government.

State Veterans Cemeteries are managed by state governments with some federal assistance.

Location & Availability: National cemeteries can be limited in space, while state cemeteries often provide more local options for families.

Benefits: Eligible veterans receive the same core burial honors — a gravesite, opening/closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government headstone/marker, and military honors at no cost. In some state cemeteries, there may be minimal fees for spouses or dependents.

Both options provide veterans and their families with dignified, lasting tributes to their service.

At Irby Funeral Home, we are honored to assist families in understanding their choices and making the arrangements that feel right for them.

10/20/2025

Is GoFundMe the Best Way to Fund a Funeral?

GoFundMe and other online fundraisers can be a real blessing when families face an unexpected loss. They make it easy for friends and community members to lend support quickly.

But they aren’t always the best or only option. Some things to keep in mind:

💳 Fees & Timing – Transaction costs may apply, and funds aren’t always available right away.

🌐 Reach Matters – Fundraisers depend on how widely they’re shared. Families without a large network may not raise what they need.

🤝 Other Resources – Churches, community events, and even local credit unions can sometimes provide assistance.

🌿 Preplanning – One of the most effective ways to ease the financial burden is through funeral preplanning. By making arrangements ahead of time, you can lock in costs, ensure your wishes are honored, and spare your family difficult financial decisions during an already emotional time.

At Irby Funeral Home, we’re here to walk alongside you — whether you need help now or want to explore preplanning for the future.

Call us anytime to learn more about how preplanning can provide peace of mind.

10/17/2025

🍝 Happy National Pasta Day! 🍝

Today we celebrate one of life’s simple comforts—pasta! Whether it’s a big bowl of spaghetti, homemade lasagna, or grandma’s secret recipe, pasta has a way of bringing families together around the table.

Just like a shared meal, memories with our loved ones fill us with warmth and connection. Take a moment today to enjoy your favorite pasta dish and, if you can, share it with someone special. ❤

From all of us at Irby Funeral Home, may your day be full of comfort, good food, and cherished company.

10/16/2025

Gathering Memories Through Photos

When planning a service for a loved one, photos can bring comfort, smiles, and sometimes even laughter in the midst of grief. Collecting cherished pictures allows family and friends to see the many chapters of a life well-lived—childhood moments, family traditions, adventures, milestones, and everyday joys.

If you are preparing for a service, consider reaching out to family members and friends to share their favorite snapshots. Together, these memories can be displayed in a slideshow, memory board, or photo album, creating a beautiful tribute that tells their story in a way words often cannot.

At Irby Funeral Home, we’re honored to help families weave these precious memories into services that celebrate life, love, and legacy.