What to Do When a Loved One Passes Away in Utah: A Step-by-Step Guide

Spring Creek Admin • October 31, 2025

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Your step-by-step guide for what to do when a loved one passes away in Utah.


Introduction


Losing someone you love can feel overwhelming. Between the emotions, the decisions, and the unfamiliar steps that follow, it’s hard to know where to start. At Spring Creek Mortuary, we’ve helped hundreds of Utah families through these first difficult days — and we know that having a simple guide can make all the difference.


This article will walk you through what to do when a loved one passes away in Utah, step by step, so you can focus on what truly matters: honoring their life and caring for your family.




Step 1: Contact the Right People


If your loved one passes away at home or in a care facility, the first call should be to emergency services or hospice (if they were under hospice care). Once medical personnel confirm the passing, your next call should be to your local funeral home — that’s where we come in.


At Spring Creek Mortuary, we’re available 24/7 to bring your loved one into our care immediately and begin guiding you through the next steps.




Step 2: Notify Close Family and Friends


After the immediate arrangements are in motion, reach out to close relatives or friends who should know right away. This can be an emotional and draining process — don’t hesitate to ask a trusted person to help make calls or send messages on your behalf.




Step 3: Choose a Funeral Home You Trust


Selecting a funeral home is a deeply personal decision. You want to know your loved one will be treated with dignity and compassion.

When choosing a funeral home in Utah, consider:


  • Their reputation and local reviews
  • Whether they offer both burial and cremation options
  • How transparent they are with pricing
  • How they communicate — do they make things feel easier or more stressful?


Spring Creek Mortuary was founded on the belief that every family deserves clarity, compassion, and care without pressure. Whether you prefer a traditional funeral, cremation, or something simple and private, we’ll help make it meaningful.




Step 4: Begin the Arrangement Process


Once you’ve chosen a funeral home, you’ll sit down with a funeral director to go over key details like:


  • Burial or cremation preferences
  • Service type (funeral, memorial, or celebration of life)
  • Date, time, and location
  • Clergy or celebrant involvement
  • Obituary and death certificate information


If you’re in Springville or Utah County, our team can meet with you in person or arrange everything by phone or email — whichever is easiest for you.





Step 5: Explore Service Options


Every life deserves to be remembered in a way that feels personal and meaningful. At Spring Creek Mortuary, we offer a full range of services designed to honor your loved one’s story — from simple to traditional to truly unique.


Here are a few of the most common options families choose:


  • Traditional Funeral Service: A full service with viewing, ceremony, and burial, customized to your family’s traditions and faith.
  • Cremation with Memorial Service: A gathering for family and friends to share memories and celebrate a life well lived.
  • Simple Cremation: A respectful, no-service option for families seeking simplicity and privacy.
  • Celebration of Life: A more casual, uplifting event that focuses on memories, photos, music, and connection.





Step 6: Take Care of Legal and Financial Matters


In the days following, you’ll need to:


  • Obtain multiple certified death certificates (we can order these for you)
  • Notify the Social Security Administration
  • Contact banks, insurance companies, and employers
  • Begin any necessary estate or probate steps


Our staff can guide you through each step and connect you with trusted local professionals if you need legal or financial assistance.




Step 7: Give Yourself Grace


Grieving doesn’t follow a schedule. Allow yourself time to process and accept help from those who care about you. Spring Creek Mortuary also offers aftercare resources for families, including grief support groups and personal follow-ups.




Closing: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone


The moments after losing someone can feel uncertain — but you don’t have to go through them alone. At Spring Creek Mortuary, our team is here to handle every detail with care and respect so you can focus on your loved one’s memory.


If you’ve recently experienced a loss or have questions about what to do next, call us anytime, day or night, at (385) 325-3131 or visit us at springcreekmortuary.com.

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