{death}

Sunday night one of the kindest people in town passed away from a massive heart attack.

She was loved by all and never forgot anyone's birthday.

I had the privilege of having her as my Visiting Teacher.

I considered her my dear friend.

Her death was very sudden. She will be sorely missed.

In our community we have a "burial committee." Instead of shipping off our beloved downtown to the local Funeral Home, we prefer to handle it ourselves. It is also much more cost efficient. 

We have a committee to handle the men and one to handle the women.

(Sorry, if this is too much information.)

Under the Scout Lodge is our little morgue.  The bodies are handled by those who loved, appreciated, and worked with the deceased while on this earth. They are never passed onto a stranger, which can be comforting. And to know your loved one is being handled with great care.

In our town we are able to make all the funeral arrangements within days so there is no need for embalming. Instead a method of closing or stopping up all orifices is performed using cotton, and a salt mixture is rubbed over the skin to help with preservation.  Then the body is tenderly dressed and made-up properly for viewing. 

Some are disturbed by this method but I think it is very personal and a great way to pay a last tribute to a loved member of our community.  

My father-in-law has been over the "burial committee" for several years, and on more than one occasion, has left my mother-in-law to find a body laying on her counter top.

It is a job that he holds sacred and considers it a privilege to be able to help.