Death in December

                   

Cowboy Jesus – Death in December

It’s December, the holiday season. There are parties, shopping, and festive gatherings. It’s also Advent at church, with special services, candle lighting, and carols.

But it’s also a time when people die.

Nobody wants to die, especially in December, casting a shadow over holiday celebrations. Yet it happens. There are tragic accidents, cancer, strokes, and illnesses. You wouldn’t believe the number of ways people pass away. Over my forty years of ministry, I’ve encountered most of them—and all of them can happen in December.

Many people are caught off guard by a death during December or at any time of the year. While grieving is natural, several important decisions must be made, sometimes immediately at the time of death or within a few days afterward. Let me guide you through some of these steps.

Choosing a Mortuary

At the time of death, the hospital, hospice, or coroner will need to know which mortuary you want the body released to. Here are three I recommend in the south west metro area.

1. Drinkwine Mortuary in Littleton
   This family-owned mortuary has been a trusted partner for forty years. Their services are professional and reasonably priced.
2. Horan & McConaty
   While a larger chain, Horan provides quality services. I’ve worked with them extensively over the years.
3. Olinger Mortuaries
   Another excellent option, Olinger offers professional and reliable services.

You can also search online—there are many mortuaries in the Denver Metro area.

Within a day or two of death, you’ll need to meet with the mortuary to decide how to handle the remains. This is a tender time, as you’ll want to honor your loved one, but it’s also important not to let emotions drive financial decisions. Hopefully, your loved one has already made these decisions—or even prepaid. Here are the primary options:

1. Cremation
   The body is incinerated at high temperatures.
   Cost: $3,000–$5,000
2. Embalming
   The blood and bodily fluids are replaced with embalming fluid. This option is for those planning an open-casket viewing or a casket at the memorial service. Additional costs include purchasing a casket, a cemetery plot, and a headstone.
   Cost: $5,000–$15,000 (depending on burial and extras)
3. Composting
   A newer, eco-friendly method where the body is placed in a special container, mixed with natural materials, and allowed to decompose over several months. Colorado is among the states where this option is legal.
   Cost: $8,000

I’ll write more about these processes in a future blog.

Any good mortuary will offer a venue for a memorial service. However, I strongly recommend Columbine United Church. A service at Columbine costs $1,000, which is significantly less expensive than many mortuaries.

Contact the church as soon as possible. We can provide pastoral care and guide you through the various options available.

Whenever possible, make these arrangements—and pay for them—before you die. Doing so will ease the burden on your loved ones during a difficult time.

As I said, no one wants to die in December and disrupt the holiday spirit. Yet I tell people that, while hard, December can be a good time to die. Grieving during this season can also bring a focus on the resurrection. As people of faith, we celebrate not only the birth of Jesus but also his resurrection, which opens the door to our own eternal life.

If you’ve had positive or negative experiences with mortuaries—or know of any cost updates—please share them.

Here’s wishing you a meaningful holiday season filled with peace.

Steve