Her new business, Embracing Family Home Funerals, sounds like a new concept, but it really isn't. Funerals, before the Civil War, used to be held at home, where the body would lie in state before being buried. During the war, embalming was developed so that the bodies of soldiers could be preserved while they made their way home. The concept stuck, and now sending a deceased loved one to a funeral home for embalming and funeral services has become the norm.

Now, many families are shifting back, choosing at-home funerals and all-natural preservation, sometimes called a "green" funeral.

The most important aspect of her business, Beilstein said, is the idea that families will be involved in every step of the process, to keep it all very personal. She also looks forward to helping people, from helping file paperwork to seemingly small tasks like making sure the family is taking time to eat and sleep, and just being available to listen.

""I know it is not for everybody," Beilstein said, but she wants her services to be available for those families who choose to hold a home funeral. She can also assist families and individuals with pre-arranging home funeral services.

The alternative to costly funerals. Please contact Tammy Beilstein for questions and considerations. We can help!