THE BENEFITS OF PRE-PLANNING
Fairmount Memorial Association is here to guide you through the process of memorialization. It is our belief that every life lived deserves to be celebrated. Whether it is to lend a helpful and comforting hand at the time of need, or for planning ahead the gentlest most loving gift for the loved ones left behind; it will be our privilege to serve you.
On this page we provide information and resources to help you understand the advantages for pre-planning you funeral, cemetery and memorial options.
DETERMINE YOUR LEGACY
Prearranging ones cemetery and funeral plans in advance allows for the opportunity to compare the many available options and to ensure that one’s wishes are met. You have the time to consider the locations, memorial options, monuments, markers and all the other elements that best define your legacy and the relationships of the ones closest to you throughout your life.
CREATE PEACE OF MIND
Pre-arrangement provides another type of legacy: a gift to family members and loved ones relieved of financial and emotional decisions. Your commitment to create a plan will relieve family members of making emotionally difficult decisions when they are suffering from a loss. Through the process of pre-arrangement, pre-funding will insure that funeral expenses will be paid for; with arrangements being made at a time when ones financial setting is more predictable. Pre-planning is a true and gentle gift to loved ones, easing the burden for those left behind.

CHOOSE TODAY
Whether you desire a cremation or traditional casket burial, to accompany a spouse or other family member, a beautiful monument to be enjoyed by others or a more subtle choice, these decisions are easier to make sooner - rather than later.

CHOOSE WHAT
While you may have considered your preferences, if you are like most people it isn't something you have discussed with family or next of kin. Sadly, this not only creates a burden on loved ones, but your desires for the type of memorial you wish to have is left unspoken and, likely, unfulfilled.

CHOOSE WHERE
Creating a plan allows you to choose where you want your memorial to be.
You may want to ensure your memorial is in the same park as other family members, or near a neighborhood you lived in.
Pre-planning your funeral and cemetery arrangements not only reduces doubt and anxiety, but its also a powerful act of caring as your decisions and plans relieve family members of making emotionally difficult decisions when they are suffering from a loss. Through the process of pre-arrangement, pre-funding will insure that funeral expenses will be paid for; with arrangements being made at a time when ones financial setting is more predictable. Pre-planning is a true and gentle gift to loved ones, easing the burden for those left behind.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING AHEAD
When you have to make a choice and don’t make it, that is in itself a choice.
– William James
START THE CONVERSATION TODAY
Understanding your options and preparing your cemetery and funeral plans isn't something you have to do on your own: Family Care Representatives from Fairmount Memorial Association can help you understand all of your options, provide informed answers and alternatives, and help you move towards creating a plan.
SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION
Use our online scheduling tool to set up a free consultation with an FMA Family Services Representative
CONTACT
US

If you prefer to have a Family Services Representative from FMA contact you, please use our contact form.
EXPLORE CEMETERY OPTIONS

Browse the options for both cremation and traditional burial here on our website.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FMA

Discover who we are, what we believe, and how we've been serving the Spokane area since 1888.
PRE-PLANNING & BEREAVEMENT GUIDE
Fairmount Memorial Association is pleased to provide a Pre-Planning and Bereavement Guide.
Pre-planning is simply the process of drawing up plans for a funeral before they are needed. It involves gathering a variety of family information and making decisions about the type of service you want (e.g. where the funeral itself should take place, and who might participate).
The guide also provides important and necessary tools and information to assist you in managing different decisions when a death occurs. To receive your complimentary Pre-Planning and Bereavement Guide, simply share some basic information below.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PRE-PLANNING QUESTIONS
If I have already purchased my property, can I still pre-pay for my burial and funeral service?
Yes, pre-arrangements can still be made for the burial and funeral service.
Are payment options available for those choosing to “pre-plan”?
Yes, payment options are available.
What happens if I have purchase property and I decide to move?
The actual dollar value can be transferred to any ICCFA participating cemetery or you may choose to sell the property privately. Please contact us for additional information.
CEMETERY QUESTIONS
Why are cemeteries important?
Throughout time, cemeteries have provided those who have lost loved ones with a place to go visit, to reflect and to heal. Providing, permanence, security and historical connection with one’s past. There can be no measurement for the gravity of one’s loss. Everyone is unique. Time is the key element in the process of healing. Memorialization at any one of our Fairmount Memorial Association cemeteries will insure a peaceful, serene and well cared for resting place for the remainder of time.
What cemetery should I use?
The cemetery that you choose should be one that is meaningful to you and your loved one. A location that is comfortable and convenient for family and friends to visit, one that is carefully maintained to respectfully honor the deceased.
Is burial space becoming rare in the Spokane area?
In some areas of the country, land burial may be becoming rare. Fairmount Memorial Association has developed just under 350 acres and has available and yet to be developed approximately 400 more acres of land. With continued careful planning, we will be able to serve families for hundreds of years to come.
When can I visit the cemetery?
Fairmount Memorial Association cemeteries are open and welcome visitation during day light hours. Gate openings vary with the natural day light hours from early morning to dusk. Our business offices hours are: Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. and Saturdays 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
What is the cost of a lot?
Cemetery property price will vary throughout the cemetery based upon the location of the chosen plot. Please contact one of our one of our Fairmount Memorial Association office locations for assistance.
What if I don't want a traditional funeral?
All cemeteries can provide Direct Burial or Direct Disposition, the transferring and care of the deceased with the processing of the final documentation without visitation or services. It is your wishes that we wish to carry out. We invite you however, to consider a celebration of life for your family and friends. Such a celebration is available without requiring the presence of your remains. Memorial services are often the first step in the process of healing. Life celebrations help those left behind, to move forward.
Is cremation necessary for Direct Disposition?
No, cremation is not required for Direct Disposition.
What is Endowment Care?
Endowment Care is a state required fund set up to provide income for cemetery park maintenance. A portion of the purchase price for cemetery property is set aside into an Endowment Care trust fund. Only the earnings from this trust can be withdrawn to care for the cemetery.
How can I be sure that Endowment Care will take care of the cemetery?
No Guarantee can be offered. The Endowment Care funds are carefully managed to grow and produce funds and are regulated by state law. Only the income earned by the managed funds can be withdrawn and used for maintenance and care of the cemetery.
Why is an outer burial container (vault) necessary?
The vault is designed to keep the casket or urn protected from the elements of nature. In addition to preserving the beauty of the casket or urn, the outer burial container helps to maintain the beauty and integrity of the cemetery grounds.
May we witness the lowering of the casket?
What is an ‘Open and Closing’ charge?
Does the government provide a deceased veteran any cemetery benefits?
Is an outer burial container necessary for a casketed burial?
What is a Mausoleum?
A Mausoleum is a building designed to be an indoor, final resting place. Mausoleums can be smaller, designed for individual families/generations or a larger community mausoleum. Remains will always be kept dry and protected from the elements of nature.
How does the cost of a Mausoleum compare to a traditional ground burial?
Interment in a mausoleum or crypt (entombment in an above ground structure) is more costly than a traditional ground burial. The above ground in or outdoor interment as well as the traditional ground burial prices may vary due to location and/or the cost of the merchandise selected.
What is a Columbarium?
A columbarium is a multiple unit structure designed to inter cremated remains. This structure may be found indoors or outdoors.
CREMATION QUESTIONS
What is cremation?
Is a casket necessary for cremation?
No, caskets are not required for cremation. Washington State only requires that an alternative container usually constructed of fiber board or composition material be used to contain the body. The container is cremated with the body.
Why is it important to memorialize cremated remains?
Must one embalm prior to cremation?
How do I know if I have received the remains of my loved one?
Fairmount Memorial Association cemeteries, Heritage Funeral & Cremation, and Pacific Northwest Cremation have in place stead-fast operating policies and procedures to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of services rendered. Strict adherence to established operational standards provide multiple check points to reduce the possibility of human error.
How long is the cremation process?
The process can vary from 1 – 3 hours. Several variables can affect the timing.
Will I receive all of the cremated remains?
Is it possible to do two cremations at one time?
No; it is illegal to perform more than one cremation at a time.
Is it necessary to purchase an urn?
One is not required to purchase an urn. If entombment is planned at a cemetery or if a memorial service is planned, one may want to purchase an urn and/or an outer burial container. Without the purchase of an urn, the remains will be returned in a temporary plastic container. Fairmount Memorial Association has a nice selection of urns to meet individual needs.
Are family members allowed to witness the cremation?
Yes, Heritage Funeral & Cremation is able facilitate the viewing of the cremation process.
Is ground burial available for cremated remains?
Yes, ground burial is an option. Please contact one of our cemetery offices for more information.
Is there a substantial difference in price between cremation and traditional burial?
Traditional Burial is generally more expensive than cremation. The extent to the difference between cremation and traditional burial will vary depending on how elaborate ones wishes are.
What memorialization options are available for cremated remains?
Cremated remains can be memorialized at the cemetery of your choice. Fairmount Memorial Cemeteries offer in-ground burials, above ground indoor or outdoor niche entombment as well as scattering of ashes at any one of our beautiful scattering gardens.
Is it possible to place an urn in with a spouse’s casket?
Yes, it is possible to place an urn in with a casket. For the second placement, Fairmount Memorial reserves the right to charge a second use fee for record keeping and memorialization. Please contact us for further second interment information.
For a cremation service; does the memorial happen before or after the cremation?
The memorial service may happen either before or after the cremation. This is strictly dependent on the wishes of the family.
FUNERALS & SERVICES
Why have a funeral or memorial service?
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Social support -
A gentle haven for the expression of grief -
A supportive pathway to rejoin ones community -
The time needed to say good-bye -
Closure
What type of memorial service should be planned?
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Is there a chapel to hold our service?
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Will the casket be open or closed?
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Will the remains be buried or cremated?
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May we witness the lowering?
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Can the family participate and how?
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Will remains be entombed in a grave or crypt?
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Will cremated remains be buried in a grave or interred in a niche?
Can I pre-arrange for my funeral service?
Yes, Fairmount Memorial recommends pre-arrangement.