FSE-215 Finals Study Guide

What is the difference between a bed and a mattress? (also define each)

"A bed is permanently attached to the shell of the casket, whereas a mattress must be placed inside a casket. The bed has a covering of domet or linen that can be torn to expose the inner construction and allow the rearrangement or removal of the contents for positioning the deceased. Conversely, a mattress has a zipper that allows access to the stuffing to allow for rearrangement and/or removal. The bed is typically associated with inexpensive caskets, whereas the mattress is associated with those that are more costly."

Is the root word origin of "casket" linked to the term "cassette"?

"French word "Casse" means a chest of valuable possessions. cassette is enclosure of something valuable

7. Prices for funeral home services and merchandise may be quoted differently. Define and explain each of the following methods. Be sure and discuss the extent to which the true "value" of the casket is seen in the pricing methods- What method is primarily used today? What is the oldest American pricing method (historically)?

"Itemization, but until the advent of consumerism, people tended to just want to know "what's the total." The FTC requires itemization today.

What is lignin?

"Lignin is a natural glue found in wood that cements the cells together. It

Match each trait with its proper designation-

"People are self-centered and not concerned with the organization's goals." - Theory X assumption. "Committment to objectives is a function of the rewards associated with acheivement." - Theory Y assumption. "The expenditure of physical and mental effort in work is as natural as play or rest." - Theory Y assumption. "The average person inherently dislikes work and will avoid it if possible." - Theory X assumption. "Most people lack creativity and are resistant to change." - Theory X assumption. The average person learns, under proper conditions, not only to accept but to seek responsibility." - Theory Y assumption.

Explain what a "select hardwood" is:

"constructed from many different species of wood;

Concrete outer burial containers may be lined by what types of

"ferrous, non-ferrous, and synthetic materials?

What are examples of "laminate" caskets?

"thin wood veneer - (oak) adhered to a thick, inexpensive plywood

The veteran whose death is service-connected is generally entitled to what sum of money?

$1500.00

4. How much is this benefit?

$255.00

In order to receive THIS amount of money, there must be a surviving spouse or dependent surviving child:

$255.00

\What is the amount of money that one could expect to collect by filing a "#8" form?

$255.00

What is the amount of burial benefits money that one would expect to procure by filing a "21-530" form? (If the veteran is eligible?)

$300.00

If one is eligible for a benefit of $1500.00, it will be paid in lieu of what monies?

$450.00

11. Contributors to Management Theories:

- Abraham Maslow (1908-1970): Created Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. - Frederick Herzberg (1923-2000): Developed the "Two-Factor Theory" on job satisfaction and motivation. - Douglas McGregor (1909-1964): Formulated "Theory X and Theory Y" regarding management perceptions of employee behavior.

5. Important Hiring Legalities:

- Avoid questions about race, sex, religion, age, marital status, children, arrest records, photographs, military service, or disabilities to comply with anti-discrimination laws.

12. Hierarchy of Needs:

- Basic to complex human needs: physiological, security, belongingness/love, esteem, and self-actualization.

2. Legal and Financial Liabilities of a Funeral Home Manager:

- Be aware of legal responsibilities including the Americans with Disabilities Act, anti-discrimination laws, and other employment regulations. Managers can be held legally and financially liable for violations.

6. Types of Discriminatory Practices:

- Common discrimination types include racial, sexual, age-related, and appearance-based. Despite legislation, biases in hiring, promotion, or interactions may still occur.

8. Future Funeral Service Trends:

- Demographics: Aging population and more deaths projected. - Family Structure Changes: More working spouses and non-traditional families will shape services. - Religious Shifts: Less traditional religious ties may lead to more secular ceremonies. - Alternative Dispositions: Internet sales and family separations influence choices.

16. Total Quality Management (TQM):

- Developed by Edward Deming, TQM focuses on continuous improvement through teamwork and meeting customer expectations. Benefits include employee engagement, increased productivity, and service quality. This overview encapsulates funeral service management practices, key management theories, and approaches essential for balancing operational success with community and client needs.

15. Theory Z:

- Developed by William Ouchi: Emphasizes long-term employment, collective decision-making, and management by objectives, incorporating Japanese business principles.

1. Funeral Home Manager Responsibilities:

- Developing Employee Participation: Involve employees in decision-making to foster their engagement and create a sense of investment in the company's direction. - Managing Change: Understand that change typically faces mixed reactions. Focus on persuading neutral employees to gain wider acceptance. - Understanding and Practicing Human Relations: Be knowledgeable about employment laws and maintain proper documentation to protect the company. - Creating a Viable Organization: Utilize employees' strengths and align tasks accordingly to avoid dissatisfaction and unproductivity. - Communicating Effectively: Share information openly when possible and address performance issues constructively and timely. Demonstrate attentive and respectful communication. - Demonstrating Effective Leadership: Lead by example with thoroughness and responsiveness. Acknowledge achievements and address issues fairly and promptly.

8. Serving the Community and Clients:

- Effective service addresses both the total community's and specific client needs, ensuring inclusivity.

4. Funeral Service Management's Service Orientation:

- Emphasizes personal interaction over products; requires strong people skills.

1. Objectives in Funeral Service Management:

- Fulfilling client families' needs is a short-term goal due to immediate interaction (3-7 days) and a long-term goal for lasting impressions and future business growth. - Ensuring funds for expenses is short-term for immediate business operations. - A reasonable return on investment serves both short- and long-term needs—immediate cash flow and long-term financial sustainability. - Capital improvements are mainly long-term but can also have short-term implications due to the necessity of adaptability.

3. Professional Relationships:

- Funeral directors should maintain courtesy and professionalism with colleagues, competitors, medical professionals, government employees, and legal professionals. Personal emotions should not interfere with professional interactions.

7. Practitioners' Roles:

- Funeral service practitioners' relationships with clients are more personal, advisory, and confidential than in other management fields due to the sensitive nature of services provided.

9. Universal Service:

- Funeral services must be accessible to all, regardless of economic status, maintaining dignified service for all clients.

3. Goals vs. Objectives:

- Goals are broad organizational aims. - Objectives are specific, time-bound achievements.

8. Essential Personnel Manual Contents:

- Include details on work hours, overtime, probation, vacation, benefits, review processes, dress codes, disciplinary actions, and the grievance process.

7. Philosophy Statement in Personnel Manuals:

- It ensures employees understand the firm's mission and expectations.

4. Definition of Human Resources/Personnel Management:

- It involves acquiring, training, motivating, and appraising qualified employees for necessary tasks.

13. Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory:

- Job satisfaction involves intrinsic motivators (achievement, recognition), while dissatisfaction stems from extrinsic factors (e.g., pay). Hygiene factors prevent dissatisfaction but don't increase motivation.

2. Definitions of Key Terms:

- Planning: Envisioning the end result at the start of a process. - Organizing: Integrating resources to meet the firm's goals. - Directing: Managing people effectively, being analytical, and resolving issues. - Evaluating: Establishing and enforcing performance standards with flexibility.

10. Human Relations in Management:

- Positive relationships between management and employees are crucial for high-quality customer service. Negative employee attitudes can negatively impact client perception and service quality.

3. Service Factors:

- Safety: Ensure premises are safe and funeral processions are coordinated. - Cleanliness: Maintain a clean environment for services. - Temperature & Seating: Comfort is prioritized. - Register & Casket Placement: Positioning affects guest accessibility and presentation. - Flowers & Music: Arrange displays and music according to family preferences. - Parking & Seating Arrangements: Organized for efficiency and clarity. - Clergy & Participant Coordination: Clear communication is essential. - Service Start/End: Follow structured protocols. - Pallbearer Instructions: Detailed briefings ensure smooth proceedings. - Committal Service: Conducted respectfully with clergy involvement.

6. Caveat Venditor in Practice:

- Sellers must accurately represent products/services to maintain trust and integrity, avoiding assumptions or misrepresentations.

5. Social Responsibility in Client Relations:

- Success is tied to satisfying client families; strong client relationships build reputation and business stability.

9. What is/are the deadline(s) to file to receive each benefit? ------ See above answer

- The deadline to file for the Social Security lump sum death benefit is two years following the death. - For VA monetary burial benefits, the deadline is two years after burial or final disposition. - There is no time limit to request the U.S. flag or a headstone/marker.

14. McGregor's Theories:

- Theory X: People inherently dislike work and need coercion. - Theory Y: People view work as natural and can be self-motivated when trusted.

10. What forms must be completed to receive each individual benefit?-----See above

- To receive the Social Security lump sum death benefit, you must complete form SSA-8 and may also need SSA-721, a copy of the deceased's Social Security number, proof of wages (W2), and a marriage certificate. - For VA burial benefits: - Form VA 21-530 for monetary burial benefits. - Form VA 27-2008/90-2008 for the U.S. flag. - Form VA 40-1330 for a headstone or marker.

The main difference between a casket bed and a casket mattress is that

- mattress is removable (1 piece) - bed is not"

The metal used in the shell of a 20 gauge steel casket would be:

1/20 inch thick

Minimum number of caskets to show

12

Metal Caskets

18g, 20 g, 16g

Social Security death benefits have not increased in amount since:

1954

Average # getting shown in US

20

Cremation urns for adults should contain at least ____ cubic inches.

200

A state casket labeled 6/6XXX would measure in length 6 feet, 6 inches, and in width:

28 inches

Maximum number of caskets to show

30

Your casket supplier offers two types of stainless steel, namely 300 series and 400 series. You want the better of the two. Which one is the better?

300 series.

Minimum space needed to show

40 to 60 square feet allotted per casket

The length of a standard adult wood casket is:

6/3

The length of a standard adult metal casket is:

6/6

What are the standard gauges found in metal burial vaults?

7, 10, & 12 gauge

The standard size of the adult burial vault is 30"X____"

86

What is the standard size of an outer burial container? (length/width and weights of plastic, concrete, and metal units)

86" in length, 30" in width and 24 ¼" in center height ( except for the domed vault, which is 30"). Weights are as follows: plastic, 165 lbs; concrete, up to 3000 lbs; metal, 400-800 lbs.

All of these glassless type of gasketed caskets use a strike pin- please describe what a strike pin is:

A metal post-like part, usually 1-2 inches that protrudes from the underside of the ogee (ogee flange) and the strike pin inserts into an opening into the top body molding when the lids are closed. Then, depending on the type of locking method, the strike pin is grasped from beneath and pulls the lid tightly down onto the rubber gasket. Non-gasketed caskets don't have strike pins.

Is, as noted above, the plastic extrusion molding method.

A method of molding plastic by injecting molten plastic into a die:

Is a swing bar and can be full-length, individual or single.

A moveable casket handle with a hinged arm:

3. What are the eligibility requirements for one to receive the Lump Sum death benefit?

A one time payment of $255.00 is available to a spouse who was living with the deceased or children under 18 who may be eligible or a workers parents age 62 plus if they were supported by the worker. The worker must have worked and paid social security charges for 40 quarters to be eligible for any benefits.

No distinction is made between the head panel and the foot panel in this type of casket:

A perfection full couch.

While attending a funeral service, you are positioned so that you are looking directly at the foot end of the casket. You see two "tubes" on the foot end of the casket. You know that one is used to lock the casket with a crank or key, but what is the purpose of the other tube?

A place to store biographical info about the deceased

How does an end seal burial vault prevent the entrance of water into the vault?

A rubber gasket between the container and the end creates a seal.

8. What materials might be required to open a cremation urn to receive the ashes?

A screwdriver would be needed for the opening of the urn and/or a soft cloth in order to prevent accidental scratching of the urn.

What is a sectional box?

A sectional box consists of slabs of unfinished concrete placed around the casket. The bottom piece is placed in the ground first, followed by the end and side pieces. The top is placed last and may be in two pieces for better support of the earth load.

Explain the differences between single walled glass sealers and double walled glass sealers-

A single walled glass sealer has a section of glass or metal held by a metal frame, which is placed on a rubber gasket. Twelve screws are used to compress the rubber gasket between the metal frame and the top body flange. A double walled glass sealer has a separate inner sealer within a larger casket. The innersealer is described in our text as a prefabricated metal sealer unit that fits into the casket shell. (kindof like a casket within a casket)

What is a "state" casket?

A square-cornered casket that has sides that are at a right angle to the bottom of the casket. (shaped like a shoe box)

This person was responsible for the "Hierarchy of Needs":

Abraham Maslow.

1. How do sales objectives contribute to a company's purchasing practices?

According to Klicker, "Most sales objectives are based on evaluation of sales history, availability of products, recommendation of suppliers, and the amount of profit a director wishes...to generate." Or, in other words, what one can get, determined by who can get it to you in a timely, reliable manner, what you can move in your area of the country for a fair profit.

Do most oversize caskets fit into standard size outer burial containers?

According to Simmons, any casket over 25 inches in width will usually require a larger burial outer burial container.

How do the lining materials affect the protective ability of the outer burial container?

According to the Doric Vault Company website, "linings...merge the cover and base of the vault into a water-resistant unit. They work together to keep the effects of outside elements from damaging the casket and its contents."

Which type of opening style would the extendover probably be non-existent?

According to the class documents, "no extendover is found on 98% of hinged cap caskets."

a rite adjusted to the needs of the family or the trends of the time.

Adaptive funeral rite

Burial vaults that are manufactured of solid copper usually utilize which sealing method?

Air seal

What type of burial vault seal allows a small amount of water to enter the bottom portion of the vault?

Air seal.

Methods of closure for protective outer burial containers may include air sealing, top sealing, end sealing, and double sealing. Explain each of these-

Air sealing - Top sealing employs an adhesive that is fed into a groove along the top of the vault's base. When the top is lowered onto the base, a "tongue" fits into the adhesive-filled groove, providing a seal. End sealing - though common in years past, is rarely seen today. The top, bottom, sides and one end of the vault are molded as one piece. The casket slides into the vault through the open end, which is then bolted into place. (picture a big metal mailbox- same principle) Double sealing - uses the air seal "in conjunction with an epoxy material at the junction of the dome and the base." (usually plastic)

If a funeral director need a large casket to accommodate a larger-sized person, what would be his or her options? (How would he get it?-be specific)

All casket companies have a selection of oversize caskets now. Our society is getting fatter.....

A keepsake urn is one which-

All of these. Can be worn. Can be buried. Can be displayed.

From what metals can burial vaults be manufactured?

Aluminum, steel, stainless steel and copper

How would a funeral director measure a decedent in order to determine the greatest width of the body? (For instance, to gain the greatest length, he or she would measure the body from the crown of the head to the soles of the feet.)

Always measure from elbow to elbow. (almost always a more accurate wider measurement than the shoulders)

Alloys

An alloy is a mixture of two or more elements, where at least one is a metal. Alloys are created to enhance certain properties, such as strength, durability, corrosion resistance, or electrical conductivity, compared to the pure metal.

How would one created a plated casket finish?

An electrolytic process

What is a grave liner?

An outer container of concrete, wood, or plastic that offers weight bearing qualities for the earth above, but is without sealing qualities.

11. Why would some client families desire to purchase an urn vault?

An urn vault protects the urn from water, etc. This gives the families a sense of added protection for their loved ones.

Form SSA-8

Application for Lump-Sum Death Payment

portion of the handle through which the bar passes

Arm

Most metal (and plastic) burial vaults work on the "dome" or "diving bell" principle, explain this concept:

As the domed top of the vault is lowered into place, it traps air within the vault. The trapped air does not allow water to enter the vault.

type of handle usually found on the ends of a casket

Bail bar

a single handle in which the lug, arm and bar are combined in one unit. A type of individual stationary hardware. (from Klicker text)

Bail handle

What part of the hardware grouping do the pallbearers actually grasp?

Bar

2. What are the available benefits (in life and in death)?

Benefits in life are for retirement, disability insurance and supplemental income. There is a death benefit of $255.00.

If a client family walked into a casket selection room, and they found that the price of the casket was separate from the service charge (2 prices), then this would be an example of:

Bi-Unit pricing.

one male and one female and children from their previous marriages as well as children from the present marriage (step & natural).

Blended family

The sides and ends of a casket shell are called the:

Body panels

"Goals" are-

Broad statements about what an organization wants to acheive.

a twilled, napped, woolen or worsted fabric with a smooth, lusterous face and dense texture; a fabric usually made of cotton, silk, or rayon woven in a plain or rib weave with a soft semi-gloss finish

Broadcloth

Exterior Finishes

Brushed, Plated, Hammertone, Crinkled

"A form of organization characterized by specialization, hierarchy, formal rules, impersonality, and a specialized administrative staff":

Bureacratization.

What is the name of the document that can be used to transport a decedent across state lines? Select All That Apply

Burial Transit Permit In N.C. the Certificate of Death signed by a Medial Examiner is also a "Burial Transit Permit"

7. The Department of Veterans affairs provides various benefits for those who qualify. Some are monetary, some are not monetary. What are these benefits?

Burial benefits: free for a national cemetery. Contact the National Cemetery closest to you that is still accepting interments there. For VA monetary burial benefits, us form VA 21-530. There is a 2 year time limit after burial or final disposition. U S Flag- free with form VA 90-2008 no time limit. Headstone or marker- free with form Va 40-1330 no time limit. A $1,500.00 allowance if death was service-connected prior to 9/01/01 or $2,000.00 after that date. A two year time limit after final disposition. A $300.00 expense allowance if entitled to a pension or retirement military pay plus a $300.00 plot allowance if death occurred in a VA facility. A 2 year time limit.

How does one create the casket metal known as bronze?

By combining copper, tin, and zinc.

How does one create a casket metal known as stainless steel?

By combining iron, chromium, and nickle.

Which of these components is NOT part of the typical casket?

Caging.

11. What is a "cash advance item"? What are examples of cash advance items?

Cash advance items are those things that the funeral home will incur BEFORE getting a settlement from the families. They consist of programs, paid obituaries, death certificates, sometimes opening/closing of the grave, hairdressers' fees, etc.

4. The purchasing practices of a funeral home are often affected by cash discounts, quantity discounts, rebates, and product consignment. Define each of these-

Cash discount - refers to a reduction in the price of a product for payment of an account within the time limits established by the sales contract. Quantity Discounts- the greater the number of a purchased item, the less expensive it becomes. Rebate - refers to a return of a portion of the payment. Product consignment - refers to merchandise being given to an establishment to sell, however, the owner of said establishment is not required to pay for the item until the time that it is sold. (caskets are often consigned to funeral homes, depending on the mfg)

Which part of the casket shell would one measure to determine the size?

Casket sizes are generally measured according to the inside measurements. (the body has to fit inside of it!) Outside measurements are sometimes also needed.

Most burial recepticals sold by funeral homes in the US today are:

Caskets

The term 'casket' comes from the root word:

Casse

Which of these bronze casket types was made by molten bronze, poured into a mold?

Cast bronze

Which of these bronze caskets is apt to be the heaviest type?

Cast bronze

consists of molten metal that has been poured into a mold, cooled and removed.

Cast hardware

Which of these materials is not a typical primary burial vault material?

Cement

also called a ritual; any action performed during a rite which may or may not have symbolic meaning to the participants or observer of the action.

Ceremony

a grouping of people with similar socio-economic status in an industrialized society.

Class

Display options for caskets include using closed caskets, open caskets, photographs, and sections of caskets- explain the advantages/disadvantages of each-

Closed caskets displayed only offer an outside view of the casket and not the interior. The casket needs to be opened to give an overall view. The exterior may be dull with an interior showing an elaborate design. This could make the sell of the casket. A photograph does not give a detailed look of the casket and can sometimes be very misleading. A section (sectional) of a casket can also project an overall appearance of how the full casket actually looks.

Your friend tells you that she attended her grandmother's funeral and that the casket was 8-sided. From this description, you correctly deduct that the casket material was-

Cloth-covered wood

"Anthropomorphic" would be a term that best describes a:

Coffin

Which of these burial recepticals was the oldest? (historically)

Coffins

grouping of any of the above mentioned interiors together in one casket.

Combination interiors

An air seal burial vault is NOT usually found in this material?

Concrete

What material is used to make a sectional box?

Concrete

From what materials can outer burial containers be made?

Concrete, metal, wood, polymers and fiberglass

What is Direct Counseling

Confirming and Reassuring Families

If the caskets in your selection room began with the least expensive, then became more expensive as you walked further in the room, this would be an example of which arrangement method?

Consecutive grouping.

The percentage derived from dividing the wholesale amount of the merchandise by the retail price of the merchandise:

Consumer value index.

living or happening in the same period.

Contemporary

another term for permanent handle hardware.

Continuous bar

In which of these types of copper is a copper shell submerged in a copper ionic solution in order to reinforce the copper shell?

Copper deposit

This part of the hardware grouping may be found on a casket for decoration, or to add structural integrity, or not be found on a casket at all---

Corner

a soft, white, wool-like fiber enclosing the seeds of the cotton plant; the delicate seed hairs consist of a single long cell, with a thick cellulose cell wall.

Cotton

Where does a Funeral Director Obtain a Burial Transit Permit? Select all that apply.

County Public Health Department If on weekend in N.C. from a local Sub-registrar

5. Are cremated remains simply poured into each urn, or are they placed within another container before going into the urn?

Cremated remains are placed into a plastic bag in order to contain the cremains in case of accidental spillage.

"A thin, crinkled cloth containing rayon", best describes:

Crepe

a form...created by placing the lining material on a metal form, adding weights, steaming the material and then attaching it to a suitable upholstery material

Crushed

made on a table containing metal corrugations and rods to form a design

Crushed

3. Why is the "cubic inch" displacement of the urn important?

Cubic inches represent the inner diameter of the urn. There should be sufficient amount of inner space in order to accommodate the cremains of the deceased.

the emotional attitude that recognizes other cultures as equivalent and pertinent.

Cultural Relativism

common traits or patterns found in all cultures of Mankind.

Cultural universal

a set of knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and rules for behavior that are held commonly within a society.

Culture

a social behavior that is considered to be normal and is based on Tradition.

Custom

What is the name of the agency established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to care for the remains and the survivors of a disaster? (Established in 1990)

D-Mort.

What is the term that describes the wood that is derived from a leaf-bearing tree?

Deciduous

roll (cove, puffing)-a component part of a casket which lines the rim and surrounds the cap panel.

Define these interior parts:

pertaining to demography (the science of vital statistics, or of births, deaths, marriages, etc., of population).

Demographic

What does "embossed" mean when speaking of cloth-covered caskets?

Designs that are raised above the cloth's surface

immediate disposition of the body with no form of funeral rite at the time of disposition.

Direct disposal

Being part social worker and part psychologist is a helpful characteristic in-

Directing/actuating.

5. Funeral Personnel Role in Disasters:

Directors participate in federal response plans, facilitating death registration and final rites. They join D-MORT teams, facing emotional and logistical challenges.

Cloth covered Caskets

Doeskin

What material best described by "a heavy durable fabric with a short thick velvety nap on one side; a woven cloth with a suede-like appearance with a nap less than 1/18th of an inch"?

Doeskin

a heavy durable cotton fabric with a short (1/8th inch or less), thick, velvety nap on one side; woven cloth with a suede-like appearance

Doeskin or moleskin

You helped a family today make arrangements for their son. The family wanted your finest hardwood casket (which was a mahogany) but they also wanted some assurance of protection using gasketing. You tell the family that only THIS type of closure method allows for protection in a hardwood casket:

Double wall glass

This person was responsible for Theory X and Theory Y assumptions about human behavior:

Douglas McGregor.

What casket display method groups 3-4 caskets together, so each can be shown to the family in some detail? These caskets are different from each other, but they represent the remainder of the caskets shown in your selection room.

Educational grouping

a form of family government which holds that both male and female have equal voice in governing.

Egalitarian family

The octagon-ended casket has ____ sides.

Eight

What casket shell design resembles an old-timey claw-footed bathtub in its shape?

Elliptic-ended

Cloth-covered caskets can be classified as smooth or _____________.

Embossed

(socialization) the process by which a person is taught the mutually accepted and understood behaviors associated with the various roles encountered in a society.

Enculturation

Explain the differences between end lock, side (front) lock, and lever lock caskets:

End lock- locked or secured from the foot end of a casket using a key or crank. Side (front) lock- locked from the front of the casket using a key or crank. Each cap is locked by inserting a key beneath each lid. (for perfection half couch caskets) Lever lock- each lid in a perfection half couch casket has a lever that can be moved from left to right to secured each lid onto the rubber gasket. No key or crank is needed.

a group of people who are recognized as a distinct group on the basis of cultural characteristics such as common ancestry or religion.

Ethnic

a pattern whereby people view their own culture as superior to all others.

Ethnocentrism

a very fine shaving of wood. Makes the wood into little curly-Q's.

Excelsior (wood wool)

one man, one woman, married sons and their wives and issues all living within a single household.

Extended family

A 20 gauge casket is thicker than an 18 gauge metal casket.

FALSE

A casket which is 6/9XX would be 28 inches in width.

FALSE

A double X casket is 2 inches wider than a standard size casket.

FALSE

Cypress is a hardwood used in caskets.

FALSE

Elliptic is a type of interior design.

FALSE

Moleskin is used on the interior of caskets.

FALSE

Oak is a softwood.

FALSE

Pine is considered to be the most expensive wood used in casket construction.

FALSE

The bed of a casket upon which the remains rest is sometimes referred to as the body lining.

FALSE

The body of a casket includes the ogee.

FALSE

The shell of a casket is made up of the body, top, and panel.

FALSE

The standard adult wood casket is 6'6" in length.

FALSE

The thickness of copper for caskets is computed by the number of ounces per square inch.

FALSE

The thickness of ferrous metal caskets is expressed in ounces per square foot.

FALSE

The thickness of non-ferrous metal caskets is expressed in gauge.

FALSE

The throw is never used with the half couch casket.

FALSE

The top panel of a casket is always full oval in shape.

FALSE

The unseen qualities of a casket are of little importance.

FALSE

The weight of copper is referred to as gauge.

FALSE

Thickness of non-ferrous metals are expressed in ounces per square inch.

FALSE

To speak of an urn casket means that it has square corners.

FALSE

When the interior material is tightly stretched across the panel of a casket without any gathering, it is said to be a shirred interior.

FALSE

Wood wool is used on casket exteriors.

FALSE

Which of these types more closely resembles cardboard in its composition?

Fiberboard

a stiff pasteboard; compilation of rough paper and paste.

Fiberboard (cardboard)

A price determination method whereby the mark-up is multiplied by a constant factor. The same mark-up is then applied to all caskets:

Fixed multiple.

The square-cornered casket can usually be classified as a flaring-side or a vertical-side type

Flaring-side - refers to a casket shell in which the sides and ends of the casket body "flare out from the bottom to the top; a casket shell design that is narrower and shorter at the bottom than at the opening of the top. Vertical side - refers to a casket body sides at 90 degrees angles to the bottom.

Which type of lighting "burns" cooler?

Fluorescent lighting

The lighting from a tubular electric discharge lamp:

Fluorescent lighting.

Which type of lighting "burns" cooler?

Fluorescent lighting.

Which type of lighting is high in "blues"?

Fluorescent lighting.

7. Disaster Activities:

Focus on communication, next-of-kin notification, accurate victim identification, logistics coordination, and providing survivor support.

behaviors which are construed as somewhat less compulsive than mores of the same society.

Folkways

4. Aftercare Importance:

Follow-up shows continued support, providing assistance with tasks and offering grief resources. This enhances emotional well-being and loyalty.

Some caskets have two "tubes" located at the end of the casket. On which end would you find them?

Foot end

Oversize caskets increase in width by "X's". How much does each "X" increase the width or length of the casket?

For wood caskets, which is the only thing that either text references, the increase would be two inches in width. According to Klicker, east step increase is represented by an X after the size.

Merchandisers state that funeral homes should have a minimum of ____ square feet per casket unit displayed.

Forty.

Who developed "hygiene factors" and "motivators", or those items that keep someone happy at a job, or cause dissatisfaction if not met?

Frederick Herzburg

Casket shell types can be classified according to two views, a view from a above, or a view as though you were standing (or squatting) at the head end or foot end of the casket. What information can you gain from each view?

From above, whether it is square-cornered, round-cornered, elliptic, or octagonal. From the end, whether it is vertical sided, urn sided, or flaring sided. (read about the differences in these types!)

Caskets and opening styles

Full Couch, Perfection Couch, Hinged Cap, Regular Couch

"Permanent handle" or "continuous bar" hardware is a variation of ______ hardware.

Full-length stationary

Extends all of the way from head-to-foot and does not swing or pivot outwardly.

Full-length stationary hardware:

Extends all of the way from head-to-foot and swings or pivots outwardly.

Full-length swing hardware:

a rite performed with the body present.

Funeral

any rite of the funeralization of a human being.

Funeral rite

known as undertaker, mortician, funeral director/embalmer)"

Funeral service practitioner

the process involving all activities associated with final Disposition.

Funeralization

Coating steel with zinc would constitute this process:

Galvanizing

If you see strike pins on a casket, it's probably a fair assumption that the casket is-

Gasketed

Explain the characteristics of gaskets found on most gasketed caskets:

Gaskets are made of rubber and are located along the top body molding flange of the casket shell. There is also a gasket between the lids of the perfection half-couch styles to prevent water and other materials from gaining access to the casket. The better ones are pure rubber, with no clay filler.

Ferrous caskets are commonly measured by their thicknesses, or their _______________.

Gauge

Thickness

Gauge and or Ounces per square inch

What is the "keystone" of Theory Z?

Getting workers involved in decisions.

Most gasketed caskets sold today are of this type:

Glassless

While attending a church funeral, you notice that when closing the casket, one of the funeral directors removes a casket key or crank from her pocket. The crank is inserted in the end of the casket and a few turns are made. You immediately know that this is a gasketed casket and it is a/an _______ type.

Glassless

A pricing method where the mark-up varies: Higher priced caskets are given a higher mark-up:

Graduated recovery.

What are examples of non-reinforced concrete outer burial containers?

Grave liners and sectionals

Casket pricing

Group, Consecutive Pricing, Educational grouping, Analytical Grouping

Birch

Hardwood

Cherry

Hardwood

Mahogany

Hardwood

Walnut

Hardwood

Compare/contrast hardwoods vs. softwoods: (weights, grain patterns, protective qualities, etc.)

Hardwoods are heavier, more expensive and close-grained resistant wood Softwoods are lighter and more easily cut than hardwoods

What are the pro's and con's of having the casket selection room located within the funeral home, in a separate building, or completely away from the funeral home facilities?

Having the casket selection room located within the funeral home makes it easier to access for the family in order to view the caskets available. Having to move to a different building or other location only tends to complicate things for the family. Most people don't want to be there to start with and the sooner they can get things accomplished, then the better. Also, it is easier to move the casket to the dressing/casketing area.

In the regular half couch casket, what part of the casket is hinged so that it may fold down for viewing?

Head cap

Confirming and reassuring the family after they have made selections of service and merchandise (post-selection counseling) provides two important functions, one is to confirm their selection so that no mistakes are made as to what they want. The second reason is to-

Help eliminate buyers "remorse" so you should let them know that they made good choices.

The original reason that burial vaults were invented was to:

Help prevent grave robbery.

Lignin is primarily seen to-

Helps hold the material (wood cells) together like glue.

The regular half couch casket features ogees that-

Hinged and fold down for viewing

This casket opening style allows for a single or double style:

Hinged cap

a philosophy of care where a home-like atmosphere is provided for the terminally ill allowing for the family to be close at the time of death.

Hospice

a funeral rite that is devoid of religious Connotation.

Humanistic funeral service

Are wood caskets brushed?

I wouldn't try it. You'd be sanding the casket... oops.

How deep are most graves dug today?

In most areas the top of the outer enclosure should lie 18-24 inches below the surface of the ground. The grave itself will be legal if the receptacle is at least 18" below the surface of the soil. (North Carolina law)

As you approach an open casket, the head panel will usually be on your _____ (left or right?) and the foot panel will usually be on your ______ (left or right?).

In most cases, the head panel would be on my left and the foot panel on my right.

The illumination caused by a heated filament:

Incandescent lighting

What type of lighting is most recommended by merchandisers for casket selection rooms?

Incandescent lighting

Which type of lighting "burns" hotter?

Incandescent lighting

Which type of lighting is high in yellows?

Incandescent lighting

Which type of lighting is high in yellows?

Incandescent lighting.

Lighting

Incandescent, Fluorescent, Direct Lighting, Indirect Lighting, LED Colors, Types of bulbs, Filaments, Do they give off heat or are they cool

6. Disaster Classification:

Includes natural/manmade events like earthquakes, accidents, and terrorism.

Bail handle hardware is a variation of-

Individual stationary

Each pallbearer has his/her own bar to grasp and the handle does not pivot or swing outwardly.

Individual stationary hardware:

Each pallbearer has his/her own bar to grasp and the handle pivots or swings outwardly.

Individual swing bar hardware:

the change from independent multitalented, self-sufficient family units to employment of family members in jobs outside the unit, making them dependent on outside resources.

Industrialization

Explain the sizes and availability of infants/children's caskets:

Infant/child caskets are available in virtually every material, gauge, ounces per square foot, style, exterior, interior and closing method as are adult caskets.

1. Importance of Handling Death Notification:

Initial conversations set the tone for service evaluation. The director's compassion, professionalism, and communication skills influence the caller's perception. Preparedness and empathy are key.

Casket sizes and dimensions vary according to what?

Inside measurements of Length and width, usually increasing in 3" and 2" increments, respectively.

Transporting of human remains between states is called?

Interstate

Transportation of human remains within the state is known as ___________ transport?

Intrastate

TOTAL The total amount of goods offered by the funeral home for resale to the public. This can include caskets, urns, vaults, head panels, corners, clothing, bookmarkers, and prayer cards. Depending on the size of the funeral home, more inventories could be kept in stock. If inventory happens to run low, then have an immediate supplier available to replenish the inventory.

Inventory

"Extreme oxidation" would be an applicable term for which one of these casket metals:

Iron

What common element or material is shared among all ferrous caskets?

Iron

If a wood comes from a coniferous tree, that tree-

Is cone-bearing

A coffin ______ the same article as a casket.

Is not

The ogee-

Is seen around the perimeter or entirety of the casket.

6. An adult cremation urn should contain at least _____ cubic inches.

It should contain at least 200 to 235cc of diameter space.

What is the position of the ogee in the open perfection couch casket?

It was connected in one piece with the cap, therefore it was raised for viewing

What type of pricing is required today?

Itemization.

Which of these is the oldest pricing method used in funeral service?

Itemization.

What are examples of post-selection room procedures? (items that a funeral director would cover with a family following their selection)

Items that a funeral director would cover with the family after their casket selection would be the outer burial container, maybe any special casket corners or keepsakes if wanted by the family. After all the selection, then the director can return along with the family to the conference room. At this time the director can ask once again if there are any questions. If not then a contract can be discussed and prepared for signing by the designated member of the family.

Client families that purchase wood caskets usually do so because of:

Its warmth, beauty, and craftsmanship

Client families that purchase wood caskets usually do so because of:

Its warmth, beauty, and craftsmanship.

When speaking of TQM (Total Quality Management), Deming is largely responsible for implementing TQM in what foreign country?

Japan

2. What is a "keepsake" type of urn? Why is it popular?

Keepsake urns are smaller urns that hold a portion of the cremated remains. The concept behind the keepsake is to allow each family member to have a small amount of the cremated remains to create a personal memorial. This is particularly important when scattering is chosen as the method of final disposition for the cremated remains, or for families and friends separated by distance. Very often, keepsakes are sold in multiples, especially if there are several family members who are interested in having their own memorial to the deceased. Keepsake urns can be buried, displayed, placed in a niche, etc. There are two types of keepsakes—urns and keepsake jewelry.

Define "outer burial container":

Klicker defines it as "any container which is designed for placement in the grave around the casket, including, but not limited to, containers commonly known as burial vaults, grave boxes, and grave liners."

What is a grave box?

Klicker defines this as "an outer enclosure consisting of a body and one or two-piece lid.

Any Funeral Service wishing to ship human remains needs to be registered in the __________ _________ Program?

Known Shipper

Non-gasketed caskets may achieve closure of the head/foot caps by any one of these methods- define these:

Latch closure, which is defined as a simple latch securing the cap to the body of the casket. This is also referenced in our course documents. Threaded fasteners, which is a screw-like fastener used on hinged cap-syle caskets. Chemical compounds, such as epoxy and other cements. Hermetically sealed, or sealed by heat, welding, or fusion. Completely airtight.

made from flax, this material is noted for its strength, coolness and luster (unfortunately it wrinkles very badly, too)

Linen

a fabric woven to look like linen

Linen weave

What are the pro's and con's of locating the casket selection room on the upper floor, main floor, or lower level of the funeral home?

Locating the selection room on the main level creates ease of access for the family and director. If it cannot be located on the main floor, than an upper floor is preferred. Locating the selection room on the lower level or basement seems drab to most people because of the underground feeling.

Which of these hardware parts actually connects the hardware to the side of the casket?

Lug

Which of these would be the ultimate hardwood?

Mahogany

Indicate if the following questions can legally be asked of a prospective employee during an interview:

Maiden name? - Improper question. Address? - Proper question. Age? - Improper question. Why did you leave your previous employer? - Proper question. What do you like to do in your spare time? Any hobbies? - Proper question. What is your HIV status? - Improper question. Where were you born? - Improper question. Did you file any lawsuits against your previous employers? - Improper question. Are you married? - Improper question. What is your religion? - Improper question.

What do "stiffeners" actually do?

Make the bottom more structurally sound

What do "stiffeners" actually do?

Make the bottom more structurally sound.

"Which of these is not a softwood? (pine, redwood, cedar, spruce & cypress)"

Maple

Which of these is not a softwood?

Maple

6. Define these terms:

Mark-up - The amount above the wholesale cost Consumer Value Index - the percentage derived by dividing the wholesale amount of the merchandise by the retail price of the merchandise. Fixed Multiple (Straight line) - a price determination method whereby the mark up is multiplied by a constant factor Graduated Recovery - a pricing method where the mark up varies...higher priced caskets are given a higher mark up. Sales Frequency data-data through which all sales are listed showing the number of sales in any sales bracket.

9. Define these terms that relate to price determination:

Mark-up - see question 6 Consumer Price Index - see question 6 Merchandise Value Ratio - the relationship between the wholesale cost of the merchandise and the total cost of both service and merchandise to the consumer. Fixed multiple (also known as straight line) - see question 6 Graduated Recovery - see question 6

The difference between merchandise cost and selling price:

Mark-up.

This material is actually pressed paper in a sheet form:

Masselin

pressed paper in sheet form

Masselin

a family government where the mother or female possesses power and the right of decision making.

Matriarchal family

a finish used on casket exteriors that is free of gloss; dull, and lusterless; no shine or gloss

Matte or flat finish

Average - SUM / number of units.

Mean

The sum of a group of figures divided by the number of units:

Mean

MIDPOINT A value in an ordered set of values, which represents the midpoint, whereby there are an equal number of values. (above and below the midpoint value)

Median

This is the middle number when numbers are arranged in increasing values, from the smallest to the largest number:

Median

Cremated remains that are inurned before being allowed to cool may-

Melt through the plastic bag and 'seep' into the urn itself.

a rite with the body not present.

Memorial service

an organization, public or private, which endorses the practice of conducting funeral rites without the body of the deceased being present.

Memorial society

How large should a funeral home's casket selection room be?

Merchandisers state that the room size should be based on the number of caskets. 40-60 feet per unit displayed.

MOST FREQUENT The number that occurs most frequently in a listing of numbers.

Mode

The number that occurs most frequently in a listing of numbers:

Mode

of, or characteristic of, the present or recent times; not ancient, often used to designate certain contemporary tendencies.

Modern

a cluster of two or more nuclear families united by social or familial bonds for security, protection and help.

Modified extended nuclear family

Generally speaking, hardwoods are ______ resistant than softwoods.

More

What are the rules of behavior that are considered vital to the welfare of the group and accompanied by relatively severe sanctions?

Mores.

Which of these places customarily stocks United States flags for burial purposes?

Most United States Post Offices.

non-movable handle that extends around the casket; held in place by lugs. A type of full-length stationary hardware.(from the Simmons text)

Permanent handle

The "fishtail" is also known as the-

Pie

Types of Softwood

Pine, Redwood

Double seal burial vaults are usually produced in what material?

Plastic

a synthetic or natural organic material shaped when soft and then hardened

Plastic

refers to a method of molding plastic by injecting molten plastic into a die.

Plastic Extrusion Molding

Other Casket Materials

Plastic, Polyester, Cotton, Excelsior, Polyethylen Foam

a woven cloth with a nap exceeding 1/8th inch

Plush (high pile)

What type of laminate has layers of wood glued together so that each layer has grains at a right angle to the layer above or below it?

Plywood

a surface made smooth and glossy usually by friction; brought to a highly developed, finished or refined state; burnished

Polished or gloss finish

a soft, lightweight thermoplastic that has a high resistance to chemicals.

Polyethylene foam

A hardware production method of lesser expense whereby the casket hardware sections are pressed out on a hydraulic press:

Pressed—less expensive in comparison to die cast or cast hardware, because more can be manufactured at the same time

rites of funeralization usually associated with pre-literate societies.

Primitive funeral rite

What is "unique" about a priest or clergy casket that is unlike most other caskets?

Probably the viewing from both sides of the casket, since most other caskets allow viewing only from the deceased's right side.

3. Define product mix:

Product mix is the collection of product lines within a firm's ownership and control. In terms of a funeral home this could include caskets, vaults, clothing, urns, prayer cards, etc..

One-fourth of the casket sales when arranged in median order:

Quartile

DIVIDE into FOUR A division of the total into four intervals, each one representing one fourth of the total.

Quartiles

The upper and lower limits of a series of numbers:

Range

UP & LOW The upper and lower limits of a series of numbers.

Range

2. Follow-Up on Arrangements:

Reconfirming details is crucial due to the family's emotional state, ensuring no misunderstandings about service specifics.

"Which of these is not a hardwood? (oak, maple, mahogany, poplar, walnut, pecan, birch & cherry)"

Redwood

Which of these is not a hardwood?

Redwood

In this opening style, it would be impossible to view the body from head to toe:

Regular couch

If the ogee of a casket is hinged on the front side and head end, then it can be classified as this opening style:

Regular half-couch

a culturally entrenched pattern of behavior made up of: sacred beliefs, emotional feelings accompanying the beliefs, and overt conduct presumably implementing the beliefs and feelings.

Religion

Another term for the "ogee" is the:

Rim

any event performed in a solemn and prescribed manner.

Rite

ceremonies centering around transition in life from one status to another (examples: Baptism, marriage and the funeral.)

Rites of passage

any single action or series of actions performed during a rite which contains symbolic meaning to the participants and observers of the rite.

Ritual

Another term for "puffing":

Roll or cove

a specific method of procedure used to comply with a folkway, mores and/or law.

Rule

The number of times sales in a given price bracket occurs over afixed period of time:

Sales frequency

What is the fabric type that is woven to have a glossy or lustrous front or face, and a dull back?

Satin

a smooth material of silk, nylon or rayon that is shiny on one side, dull on the other

Satin

has less luster than semi-gloss

Satin finish

What is the difference between a "sealing" casket, a "protective" casket, and a "gasketed" casket? What exactly do these terms imply?

Sealing- means nothing gets in and nothing gets out of a casket. (can only be used to describe hermetic sealing caskets and glass sealer caskets because most gasketed caskets sold today allow excessive pressure to exit the casket even if locked) Protective- According to the FTC, if a funeral director says this to a consumer to describe their caskets, that funeral director is implying that buying one of their 'protective' caskets will keep a decedent preserved for a longer period of time, which isn't true. Studies show that bodies decompose MORE rapidly in an airtight environment. Gasketed- used today to describe almost all caskets with a gasket. It resists the entry of unwanted gravesite substances.

Why are funeral directors mandated to state that a casket is 'gasketed' if it has a gasket? Why can't he or she state that the unit is 'protective' or is a 'sealer'?

Sealing- means nothing gets in and nothing gets out of a casket. (can only be used to describe hermetic sealing caskets and glass sealer caskets because most gasketed caskets sold today allow excessive pressure to exit the casket even if locked) Protective- According to the FTC, if a funeral director says this to a consumer to describe their caskets, that funeral director is implying that buying one of their 'protective' caskets will keep a decedent preserved for a longer period of time, which isn't true. Studies show that bodies decompose MORE rapidly in an airtight environment. Gasketed- used today to describe almost all caskets with a gasket. It resists the entry of unwanted gravesite substances.

Historically, Which of these types of copper was considered to be the "ultimate" copper casket?

Seamless copper deposit

In which of these methods of producing a copper casket is the molds of a casket submerged in a copper ionic solution; thereby allowing the creation of a casket within the molds of the casket? Later, the mold is broken away, leaving the casket for finishing.

Seamless copper deposit

In which of these methods of producing a copper casket is the molds of a casket submerged in a copper ionic solution; thereby allowing the creation of a casket within the molds of the casket? Later, the mold is broken away, leaving the casket for finishing.

Seamless copper deposit.

a combination of a tailored interior with one or more other styles of interior; for effect

Semi-Tailored

low luster

Semi-gloss finish

combines tailored with another design

Semi-tailored

Which of these presents a wrinkled look which is produced by being sewn on a multiple needled sewing machine?

Shirred

a gathered design made on a sewing machine, with 4 or 5 multiple needle heads

Shirred

a style...in which the material is drawn or gathered in parallel fashion in a particular sewing process

Shirred

Paper rendered into strips.

Shredded paper

If the ogee stays in place, and the cap opens away from the ogee, then it would be classified as this opening style:

Single hinged cap

The "slip head panel" is a variation of the _______ opening style.

Single hinged cap

Which of these are you NOT likely to find in a gasketed format?

Single hinged cap

hinge the head section to the back side of the ogee. The foot section and all of the ogee "are formed...as one complete section and is hinged to the back side of the top body molding." The deceased will be viewed from the waist up, after casketing. The ogee stays down, in place, while the crown raises up, away from the ogee.

Single hinged cap caskets

Which of these locking types uses one piece of glass covering the uppermost part of a casket shell for positive closure?

Single wall glass

Children's' caskets increase in length by ___" increments.

Six

What is the difference between a smooth cloth-covering and an embossed cloth-covering?

Smooth cloths have no raised surfaces or other ornamentation. Embossed cloths has a decorative design raised in the cloth.

The Federal Insurance Contributions Act is generally most affiliated with this governmental agency:

Social Security Administration.

What benefit is also called the "lump sum death benefit"?

Social Security Death Benefit.

the upward or downward movement of a person or family within the social classes of their society.

Social mobility

6. What are the forms to complete in order to receive the lump sum death benefit?

Social security form SSA-8 plus helpful are Statement of death SSA-721, A copy of the social security number, proof of last years wages W2, and a marriage certificate are all very necessary to speed the process along.

1. What is "social security"? When did it begin in the United States? For whom is it intended to benefit?

Social security is a program to provide monetary benefits to workers and their dependents. It began in 1935 under FDR's term as president with the new deal program and was a federal/state unemployment plus federal benefit for old aged retirement insurance. With amendments in 1939,1950 and 1959 for workers 50 years plus who then became permanently disabled. It was intended to benefit people age 65 and older upon retirement plus disabled, the aged, children on welfare service, public health servers and rehab people. It was not intended to provide complete retirement benefits as many people think.

the method by which the social values of the funeral rite is internalized (learned).

Socialization

a group of persons forming a single community with some interests in common.

Society

the study of social groups, their modes of organization, the processes which tend to maintain or change these forms, and the relationships between the groups.

Sociology

Cedar

Softwood

Pine

Softwood

Redwood

Softwood

While looking at a hardwood casket at a visitation, you notice that the lines of the grain pattern are not close together. You correctly deduct that the not-so-close grain pattern makes this casket wood a/an _____.

Softwood

Which of these caskets cannot be brushed?

Solid Mahogany

Your friend tells you that she attended her grandmother's funeral and that the casket was 8-sided. From this description, you correctly deduct that the casket material was-

Solid Oak

4. What are some different ways in which cremation urns open in order to receive the cremated remains or ashes?

Some have a top side opening with a screwed on lid. Some have a bottom side opening that is secured with screws.

"Objectives" are-

Specific statements of ends, the acheivement of which are contemplated within a specific time period.

polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a synthetic fiber that can be woven into fabrics.

Spun polyester

A flaring side casket is most likely to be which shell design?

Square cornered

What casket shell type is probably the easiest to create or produce?

Square cornered

Which of these would be the most durable and longlasting ferrous casket?

Stainless steel

is less expensive and has been made by pressing hardware out of metal with a hydraulic press.

Stamped hardware

a handle that extends all the way around the casket

Stationary bar and corner

"Direct" counseling is when the funeral director-

Stays in the selection room with the family at all times.

You observe that your deceased mother-in-law's casket has the words "16 gauge" written on the base molding of the foot end of the casket. You immediately draw the conclusion that her casket is made from what material?

Steel

Metal Casket Materials

Steel, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Stainless Steel, Bronze

You observe that your deceased mother-in-law's casket has the words "16 gauge" written on the base molding of the foot end of the casket. You immediately draw the conclusion that her casket is made from what material?

Steel.

When speaking of planning, Klicker (your text's author) states that: "Key to the success of a funeral home is not only good operational planning, but also the ability to think _____.

Strategically.

divisions of a culture, connected to a larger culture by common traits, while having unique traits of its own.

Subcultures

2. How does the availability of product affect purchasing practices?

Supply and demand—if something is available and there is a plentiful supply, it will be less expensive than a "hot commodity" (something that is rare). This might influence a home's ability to purchase more costly items and keep them in stock. The high-end products might need to be a special order proposition, while more affordable items can be kept in stock on a regular basis.

any handle that is hinged

Swing bar

anything to which socially created meaning is given.

Symbol

A N.C. Funeral Service is handling the service arrangements of a deceased that is to be buried in a S.C. cemetery. If the certificate of death has been started by a N.C. Medical Examiner the Funeral Director is not required to obtain a burial transit permit from the local health department to transport the deceased across the state lines?

TRUE

A gathered type of interior made on a sewing machine with 4 or 5 multiple needleheads with adjustable tension control is called a shirred interior.

TRUE

A regular half couch casket is so designed as to display the deceased from the waist up, with ogee hinged to fold out to display the interior of the casket.

TRUE

A stationary bar handle does not hinge.

TRUE

Bronze is an alloy consisting essentially of copper and tin.

TRUE

Caskets are classified by their opening styles.

TRUE

Copper and zinc are two non-ferrous metals used in the manufacturing of caskets.

TRUE

Crushed is an interior design made on a table of metal corrugations and corresponding rods to form a design.

TRUE

For casket width, each X represents 2 inches.

TRUE

For ferrous metal, the higher the gauge the thinner the metal.

TRUE

For length, caskets increase in units of 3 inches.

TRUE

In measuring thickness of caskets, the thinner the metal the higher the gauge.

TRUE

Mahogany is a hardwood.

TRUE

Often times an urn design appears not only on the casket corner, but the entire length and width of the sides and ends of the casket.

TRUE

The gauge of a sheet of metal is equal to the number of sheets of that thickness which is required to measure one inch.

TRUE

The ogee is part of the shell of the casket.

TRUE

The standard adult metal casket is 6 feet 6 inches in length and 23 inches wide.

TRUE

The term embossed is used to describe a design impressed into cloth used in covering caskets.

TRUE

Tufted is a design using 2 pieces of material with a padding in between.

TRUE

Velour is used as an interior material on caskets.

TRUE

Velvet is used for interiors on the most expensive caskets.

TRUE

a social prohibition of certain actions; the must behavior which dictates the individual abstain from certain acts.

Taboo

a tightly drawn form of casket interior

Tailored

presents a smooth, tightly stretched appearance

Tailored

Which of these is represented by a tightly stretched or smooth appearance?

Tailored interior

the study of death, derived from the name Thanatos God of Death.

Thanatology

What is a "clergy" or "priest" casket?

The "clergy" casket, though very much like the perfection full couch casket, is different in the respect that the cap and ogee are formed as one complete, unhinged section and can, therefore, be removed entirely. This allows for simultaneous viewing from both sides of the casket.

A strip of metal, plastic, or cloth that is attached to the inside of the panel, covering the area at which point the roll or cove is attached:

The Gimp

Arlington National Cemetery is under the jurisdiction of whom?

The United States Army.

What benefit consists of $300.00?

The VA Burial allowance.

8. What is (or should be) the relationship between the pricing of merchandise and the pricing of services?

The above methods of pricing may be use to "lump" goods and services to a certain extent, however, when all is said and done, according to today's laws, the consumer must be provided with an general price list with itemized costs. The casket should account for 20-40% of the total cost of funeral services. (just an average)

Which of these hardware types serves as a bridge between the bar and the lug?

The arm

The "body" of the casket refers to

The bottom of the casket

What does the term "selected hardwood" actually mean?

The casket is manufactured using different species of wood

What does the term "selected hardwood" actually mean?

The casket is manufactured using different species of wood.

7. What would happen if cremated remains were processed and inurned before the ashes were allowed to properly cool?

The cremains would melt through the plastic thereby possibly destroying the urn and the cremains.

8. What are the eligibility requirements to receive each benefit? (be specific)

The deceased had to be an honorably discharged member of the military.

What should be the distance from the floor to the bottom of the casket in the selection room?

The distance from the floor to the bottom of a casket in a display room should be three inches off of the floor for the first casket. On a double display this height should be twenty-four inches. They should provide ease of viewing for the purchaser.

How much weight is presented by the earth above the burial vault (on average)?

The earth load measures approximately 4000 pounds.

A "fishtail" would be found on what part of a casket?

The ends of the casket, just above the ogee

What is the process for brushing a casket exterior?

The exterior metal is scratched with an abrasive, finished with a sealer and buffed to a high gloss

9. What factors determine the cost of a cremation urn?

The factors determining the cost of a cremation urn would be the material it is made out of, the type of finishing applied and the availability of the urn requested.

If a casket is gasketed, the gasket would be situated directly on top of this part:

The gasket would be situated directly atop the top body molding flange of the casket shell and another would fit between the lids on the perfection half-couch.

What is a "foot candle"?

The illumination that an object receives when one candle is held one foot away from the object.

Dimensions of outer burial containers are mainly acquired by measuring what part of the container?

The inside of the container

The focal part of the interior which fills the inside of the crown, sometimes bordered by the roll (cove):

The interior panel

The main difference between a casket bed and a casket mattress is that-

The mattress is removeable as one piece- the bed is not

What is the position of the ogee (on the head end) in the open hinged cap casket?

The ogee and cap are separate. The ogee stays in a fixed

What is the position of the ogee (on the head end) in the open hinged cap casket?

The ogee is separate from the cap, and is hinged, so it folded down while the cap was raised.

How does one create a crinkled casket finish?

The outer surface of the casket is covered with a material in the paint that crinkles as it dries.

Explain pre-selection room procedures that a funeral director would discuss with the arranging family: (before going into the selection room)

The pre-selection room procedure is when a funeral director would discuss the number of caskets on display, the price range, the reason behind the price range, the type of caskets and state and federal disclosures.

10. How could a funeral home benefit from utilizing a sales frequency chart?

The sales frequency chart could enable the funeral home personnel to know the price range, interior styles, exteriors, etc., of caskets that are being purchased by their clientele. Being that it is likely that their clientele share certain demographic similarities, the home's purchasing agent could then seek to stock similarly appealing products in the future.

How does an air seal burial vault prevent the entrance of water into the vault?

The same way that an inverted glass lowered into a container of water does not allow the entrance of water. Pressure from the air inside creates sufficient force to disallow the entrance of water. Our book mentions the inability of two different matters to occupy the same space.

How does a top seal burial vault prevent the entrance of water into the vault?

The seal is created through the use of adhesive and a tongue and groove.

The slip head panel casket is a variation of what opening style?

The slip head panel is a variation of the single hinged cap casket.

How do lining materials affect the structural integrity of concrete burial vaults? (i.e., a copper inner liner within a concrete burial vault)

The structural ability of the vault is increased.

What is so special about a 'priest' or 'clergy' casket?

The top is removed from the casket; allowing viewing on both sides

What is so special about a 'priest' or 'clergy' casket?

The top is removed from the casket; allowing viewing on both sides.

The regular full couch casket-

There is no such casket

What is the length of time that one has to file for a VA marker or monument?

There is no time limit.

11. If not addressed in question 8, what are the requirements for interment in a National cemetery? What are the requirements for interment in Arlington National cemetery?

These benefits are available for active duty military, retired or active duty reserve military, anyone presented a metal of honor, distinguished service cross, silver star, or purple heart recipient A president, chief or associate justice, former prisoner of war after 11/30/93, spouse, widow, or a minor child of a military person buried at sea or at a national cemetery.

Can hardwood caskets be hermetically sealed? Why?

They cannot because in the achievement of fusion, the wood would burn. Additionally, wood is porous and is not airtight.

In measuring the THICKNESS of a NON-FERROUS casket metal, the higher the number, the _______ the casket metal.

Thicker

Judging the differences between the WEIGHTS of two ferrous metal casket thicknesses, the casket with the higher number represents the casket with the _______ metal.

Thinner

What is the maximum number of caskets that a funeral home should have on display available for sale (according to merchandisers)?

Thirty

What types of metals can be brushed?

This kind of finish is usually found in steel, stainless steel, copper and bronze caskets. (any metals)

5. Some funeral homes desire to recognize more of their profit in their service charge instead of their product prices. Explain the possible outcomes of this practice- (this isn't such a negative practice....)

This way, the funeral home is able to show the customer that they are not over charging them for the products. Thus, psychologically, the customer will assume the funeral home is looking out for their best interest; hence, they may not question the service charges. In the bigger picture, funeral homes have little or no labor in products that they sell, yet a LOT of labor and hidden costs in supplying 24-hour service and professional staff to serve families. The rationale is to mark-up those items that cost you the most, and have little mark-up on those things that you are just the 'middle man' in supplying, like products.

Gasketed Caskets

Those that are and those that are not

The length of caskets can be increased in increments of:

Three inches (some manufacturers) and six inches (other manufacturers).

What part of the hardware grouping covers the ends of the bar?

Tip

What is the only way that a hardwood casket can "seal" or be gasketed?

To quote our course docs, "If a family desires a wood casket but also desires gasketing, some casket companies supply a metal inner liner that fits inside of a standard wood shell. The metal liner has a gasket at the top and a full-length glass that sits atop the gasket. This would be called a "double-walled glass sealer". ($$$$)

those funeral rites that follow a prescribed ritual which may be dictated either by religious beliefs or social customs.

Traditional funeral rite

Caskets that have eight sides are customarily made from what material(s)?

Traditionally they have been constructed of wood or plastic.

Eric Berne

Transactional Analysis (TA); 1. Ego States in Grieving

Define each of these "other" containers:

Transfer container - enclosure to protect the casket during transport Air tray-a wooden tray with a cardboard covering Metal/Ziegler case - a gasket-sealed container that can be inserted into a casket or shipping container Combination case (Combo pack) - satisfies air shipping regulations and consists of a particle board box with a cardboard tray Alternative Container - made of cardboard, pressed-wood, composition material or pouches of canvas or "other material

This agency oversees the security of airports?

Transportation Security Administration

What is considered to be the ultimate interior style?

Tufted

Which of these interior styles appears to have small "puffs" in the cloth, and may or may not have a button or stitch in the "puff"?

Tufted

a design using 2 pieces of material with padding in between

Tufted

a style...created by placing a padding material between a lining material and backing material, with subsequent stitches taken, forming small raised puffs; carriage tufting and biscuit tufting are the two most common types

Tufted

Interior Styles

Tufted, Crushed, Shirred, Tailored, Embossed Designs

What is the minimum number of caskets that merchandisers recommend that you have in stock to show your families?

Twelve

Which of these numbers is closer to the average number of caskets that United States funeral homes show their client families?

Twenty

a textile weave in which threads are crossed over one another to give an appearance of parallel diagonal lines

Twill weave

5. What is the deadline to receive the lump sum death benefit?

Two years following death.

What is the length of time that one has to file for the $255.00 government benefit?

Two years following the death.

What is the length of time one has to file for the VA Burial Allowance?

Two years following the final disposition.

What is the length of time that one has to file for the $300. government benefit?

Two years following the final disposition.

the move from rural to urban areas.

Urbanization

What is considered to be the ultimate shell design?

Urn Design Boyd G Simmons has an affinity for the word "ultimate" when describing the nicest variety of funerary accoutrements... In this case the "ultimate" would be the urn design. (remember that urn shells can be round-cornered or square-cornered, and sometimes even octagonal or elliptic!)

The ultimate casket shell design is considered to be the-

Urn shell

Your client family desires the best casket you have to offer. This casket is most likely to feature what shell design?

Urn-cornered

Which of these would not be grouped as a cash advance item?

Use of hearse.

What is a "slip head panel" or "slip top" casket? From what material is it usually made?

Used primarily for indigents or sometimes as an orthodox Jewish casket, the wood "slip head panel" or "slip top" casket's head section is held in place not by a hinge, but by two dowel pins.

This premium fabric is described as one of silk, cotton, or possibly rayon with a nap:

Velvet

a fabric of silk, cotton and possibly rayon with a thick, soft pile or nap. Available as either "transparent velvet" or "dull-pile" this material is typically found in more costly caskets

Velvet

Casket Interiors

Velvet, Crepe, Satin, Twill, Masselin

Arlington National cemetery is located in-

Virginia.

a period of time prior to the funeral service which allows the family and society-at-large to comfort one another over the death of someone they knew or were related to by bloodline.

Visitation/calling hours, wake

Which of the following refer to "demographics"?

Vital statistics.

Types of Hardwood

Walnut, Oak, Cherry, Mahogany, Pecan, Maple, Cedar

A receptical that is "in the shape of man" would most likely be:

Wide and the shoulders and more narrow at the head and at the foot

A receptical that is "in the shape of man" would most likely be:

Wide and the shoulders and more narrow at the head and at the foot. (Anthropomorphic)

What are the various exterior coatings that can be placed on fiberglass and polymer caskets?

Wood Grain, which simulates the appearance of wood Polished Gloss, which has a shiny appearance Paint applied with an airbrush.

The most common bronze casket produced and sold today by american funeral homes is the:

Wrought bronze

Which of these types of copper is made from copper sheets, stamped to shape and welded or soldered together?

Wrought copper

Which of these types of copper is the most common used in casket construction today?

Wrought copper.

Are all burial vaults considered "outer burial containers"?

Yes

Is a grave liner considered an outer burial container?

Yes

Mr. Brooks is currently handling the arrangements of a decedent that the next of kin wishes are to have the decedent buried in Italy. Will Mr. Brooks need to obtain a Burial Transit Permit?

Yes

Are mass murders or suicides considered as "disasters"?

Yes.

Is a grave liner considered an outer burial container?

Yes.

Is it possible for the victims of a disaster to be someone that wasn't even at the disaster site?

Yes.

How does one make a casket material known as copper?

You can't- it's a natural element

Elliptic caskets are customarily in this shape:

a casket having ends in the shape of a half circle. Like an old-timey claw-foot bathtub.

Mahogany

a hardwood

Redwood

a softwood

A casket which has sides that are vertical, or at right angles to the bottom is called:

a state casket

An overthrow, overlay, or blanket is used with:

all of these - wood half couch casket - a metal half couch casket - a three-quarter couch casket - a full couch casket

Moleskin

an exterior material

Velvet

an interior material

What are the traits or characteristics of a deciduous tree?

annually shedding of leaves; heavy, close grained and more resistant than softwoods.

How does one create a hammertone casket finish?

application of a sprayed finish, giving the casket the appearance of having been beaten with a ballpeen hammer.

lining attached to the undersurface of the foot panel of the casket and/or a component part of the throw, which extends downward into the body of the casket.

apron

part of the casket handle that attaches the bar to the lug.

arm

part of the casket handle, attached to the lug or arm, which is grasped by the casket bearer.

bar

molding along the lower most edge of the body panels.

base molding

permanently attached collection of bedding materials covered in domet or linen.

bed

portion of the casket shell containing the top body molding, body panel, base molding and casket bottom.

body

material which drapes the inside perimeter of the body of the casket.

body lining

the top most part of the casket shell, including the ogee, crown, pie and header

cap

Explain the difference between a coffin and a casket: (structurally and aesthetically)

casket - rectangular-shaped and more aesthetically pleasing. They provide a nice, final memory picture for the family coffin - anthropoidal or anthropomorphic (shape of a human being) in shape and bulky. It is wider at the shoulders and narrow at the feet A casket is not a coffin

Define and explain where one would use- a church truck, casket stand (standard), and casket rack:

church truck - wheeled collapsible support for the casket, used in the funeral home, church, or other location when moving a casket. Offered in a variety of colors to match the caskets. casket stand - the stand or support upon which a casket rests in the selection room. It should be sturdy and also attractive. casket rack is a device, which two or three caskets are, placed one on top of the other for display in a display room.

Woodgrains of wood

close or wide patterns

What are the traits or characteristics of a coniferous tree?

conebearing; do not shed leaves annually; less resistant than hardwoods; and lighter.

Explain the differences between the consecutive method, and the demonstration method or educational grouping of casket placement:

consecutive method - placing caskets in the selection room in the order of increasing or decreasing value. demonstration method - is three or four caskets utilized to educate the selecting party regarding the elements of casket construction.

optional part of the hardware that is attached to the four corners of the body panel.

corner

the uppermost part of the cap, extending from rim to rim; everything above the rim.

crown

What factors would determine the durability of wood caskets?

is it a hardwood or softwood will it be placed in a vault or mausoleum

Made by uniting superimposed layers of different materials

laminate

part of the casket handle that is attached to the casket body.

lug

Embossed

material with a raised design

separate bedding unit in more expensive caskets; zippered on one side to allow for arrangement of materials by funeral professional.

mattress

interior cloth which covers the mattress or bedding material.

mattress cover

early casket manufacturers hired tinsmiths to finish caskets and, to these tinsmiths, a metal gutter was called an ogee. The section of the casket lid between the panel and the lid molding resembles a gutter and, therefore, was named an ogee.

ogee

the turned under edge of the ogee.

ogee flange

does not have the "center cut" and allows for viewing the deceased in full-length. An optional blanket may cover the deceased from the waist down.

perfection full couch

has the ogee and cap formed as one piece, which is then cut crosswise (one half to three inches from the center and toward the foot) to form two halves. The foot section can be raised with the head section to allow for casketing, however, it is then lowered and the deceased is viewed from the waist up only. (cap and ogees are formed in one piece)

perfection half couch casket

wedge-shaped portion of the cap at each end of the crown

pie/fishtail

cloth bag filled with soft material used to support the head and possibly the feet of the deceased.

pillows (head & foot)

Head and foot ogees are hinged individually to the top body molding allowing each ogee to drop down after the head section has been raised. Both will need to be open for casketing, however, the deceased will be viewed from the waist up.

regular half-couch

"S" shaped molding that is a component part of the casket cap.

rim

What makes mahogany and walnut so expensive?

scarcity & location where they grow.

The attached panel and ogee are part of the casket:

shell

The base molding part of a casket:

shell

the component parts that compose the cap and the body of the casket.

shell

A gathered type of casket interior made on a sewing machine with a multiple number of needles is called:

shirred

A non-movable handle that extends all the way around the casket is called a:

stationary bar handle

elongated indentations that have been pressed into the sheet of metal that is used as the bottom of the casket shell.

stiffeners

When the interior material is tightly stretched across the panel of the casket it is said to be:

tailored

Which type of opening style would you probably have an extendover?

this aesthetic covering for the top body molding, would be used with the perfection half-couch.

an aesthetic covering for the foot cap or inner foot panel of the casket.

throw (overthrow, overlay)

decorative part of the casket handle that covers the exposed ends of the bar.

tip

a molding along the uppermost edge of the body panels

top body molding

the horizontal portion of the top body molding where the gasket is placed on gasketed protective caskets.

top body molding flange

Extra sizes of caskets increase for each extra width by:

two inches

This opening style allows for "half" or "full" types:

Perfection couch

The 'priest' or 'clergy' casket is a variation of what opening style?

Perfection full couch

10. What are the types of urn burial vaults on the market today?

Most cemeteries have many options for permanent placement of the urns of loved ones. Many cemeteries have what is usually called an urn garden which is made up of small plots specifically for the burial of urns. Some of these areas have space for an upright marker though most only allow an in ground marker. You can also bury the urn or urns in a regular sized gravesite with a gravestone or other above ground marker or monument, assuming the cemetery allows above ground monuments. Another option is a niche in a columbarium that can be inside or outside, glass fronted or not, depending on what the cemetery has to offer. There are some cemeteries that offer many different options for the final placement of urns so if one has options on where to place an urn they should investigate what is being offered by each property under consideration. In regards to an urn vault, some cemeteries require them and some don't.

To what does neolocalism refer?

Moving away from where you were born.

The State of North Carolina Vital Records maintains the electronic Database Application for Vital Events. What is the common name of this system.

NC DAVE System

the movement of families from the place where they were born.

Neolocalism

How many foot candles of illumination should be used in a casket selection room?

Ninety to one hundred foot candles of illumination measured at approximately pillow height on a displayed casket is the optimum.

Are all outer burial containers "burial vaults"?

No

Is a grave liner considered a burial vault?

No

What is the cost for burial in a National Cemetery?

No charge.

What is the amount of money that one could expect to collect by filing a "40-1330" form?

No money.

What is the amount of money one would expect to collect from filing a "90-2008" form?

No money. (Flag)

Are all outer burial containers "burial vaults"?

No.

Is a grave liner considered a burial vault?

No.

A casket lid that features a latch closure is probably-

Non-gasketed.

those funeral rites which deviate from the normal or prescribed circumstances of established customs.

Non-traditional funeral rite

What other forms are completed after the funeral director enters the vital information of the deceased into the N.C. Dave system to create the Certificate of Death? Check all that apply.

Notification of Death Statement of Death by funeral director

a family that is restricted to parents and their unmarried Children.

Nuclear family

John, Terri, his wife, and Morris, their son, are considered to be a/an _______ family.

Nuclear.

The underside of the ogee would be called the _______.

Ogee flange

In the regular half couch casket, what part of the casket is hinged so that it may fold down for viewing?

Ogees

Parts of the caskets

Ogees, Head Cap, Foot Cap, Flange, etc

Where would one find "stiffeners"?

On the bottom of the casket

How many rooms are recommended for the casket selection room?

One is best- two are tolerated.

Explain the differences between particle board, plywood, fiberboard, and pressed board:

Particle board - wood chips & shavings glue & press (furniture base) Plywood - thin layers of wood glued & pressed together. Fiberboard - wood & other plant fibers pressed into sheets Pressed Board - smooth pasteboard or heavy paper used in a press, as a finishing cloth.

a form of family government where the father, or male, possesses the right of decision making.

Patriarchal family

A casket truck has brought your funeral home two caskets, a pecan casket and pine casket, weighing a total of 500 lbs. The first casket you remove from the truck weighs 200 lbs, so you deduct that the casket that is still on the truck is the _____ casket.

Pecan

The 'priest' or 'clergy' casket is a variation of what opening style?

Perfection FULL couch

Standing fifteen feet away from an open casket, one would see just as much of the casketed body (from head to foot) in a regular half couch as in a/an:

Perfection HALF-couch

If the ogee was connected- in one piece- with the cap- then this casket would be classified as this opening style:

Perfection couch

If it was necessary to "show" or view the deceased's left side in the casket, why couldn't you just place the remains in a standard gasketed perfection half couch casket in the reverse position? You would simply open the foot cap instead of the head cap. (i.e., the head of the deceased would be located at the foot end of the casket and the feet of the deceased would be positioned at the head end of the casket) Why yes or why no? (You may have to consult an older practicing funeral director for this one- or if you work at a funeral home, try it yourself at the funeral home).

Well, for starters, a standard perfection half couch casket has a transverse cut that is not in the center of the cap. According to our text, depending on the manufacturer, the cut is made from one-half to three inches from the center and toward the feet and, therefore, the viewing area would be made unnecessarily small. Additionally, the foot cap on the perfection half-couch does not open as widely as does the head cap and the foot lining is not so ornate as the interior panel and would need replacing. It would be best to either order a hinged-to-the-right casket or use a perfection full couch or double hinged cap casket.

When would one be most likely to find a foot pillow in a casket?

When viewing a body laid out in a perfection full couch casket or in a double hinged cap casket.

Tailored is a style of casket:

interior

Define the following types of lighting and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each:

direct lighting, indirect lighting, fluorescent lighting, and incandescent lighting- Direct lighting: Illumination directly shining on an object. Some advantages are a lower cost and familiar to all. A few disadvantages would be less layout flexibility, reflective glare, and harsh shadows. Indirect lighting: the illumination resulting from reflection off of another surface-usually the ceiling. Some advantages are that it creates a soft, understanding environment suitable for viewing and displays human faces advantageously for social gatherings. Disadvantages are, not only energy effective and adds little contrast to the room. Fluorescent lighting: the illumination produced by a tubular electric discharge lamp; the fluorescence of phosphorus coating the inside of a tube. Advantages and disadvantages are similar to incandescent lighting, except the fluorescent lasts longer and gives off less heat. Incandescent lighting: the illumination resulting from the glowing of a heated filament. Advantages and disadvantages are that it is not very energy efficient but is the lighting in most homes. Light bulbs having to be frequently replaced, increase sales. Recommended by most merchandisers to illuminate merchandise.

Selection room procedures can include a direct presentation or indirect presentation types. Explain these:

direct presentation is when the funeral director stays in the room with the family indirect presentation is when after his or her presentation they leave the family alone to make their choice.

the head and foot sections of the cap are hinged individually to the back of the ogee and both must be raised for casketing. The deceased is usually viewed full length. Both crowns raise, individually, while both ogees stay down in place.

double hinged caskets

portion of the casket interior which extends over the top body molding for aesthetic value.

extendover

found on cut-top casketed caskets; an integral part of the foot panel header on gasketed caskets; the function is to hold the transverse gasket to seal the space between the head and foot caps.

gasket channel

a strip of metal, plastic, or cloth that is attached to the inside of the panel, covering the area at which point the roll is anchored.

gimp

What causes the decay of wood? (might have to research this one)

growth of fungi in the wood tissue; usually associated with moisture.

What type of wood is "salix"?

hardwood

portion of the casket interior covering the hinges that attach the casket cap to the casket body; usually extends from the roll and becomes a part of the body lining.

hinge cover (skirt)