I am worried to death about having enough money to bury my mother. What do you do if there's not enough to take care of her funeral?

As noted in another post I did, our mother is now 95, all her immediate family is gone, any remaining friends (there are probably only 2 who care) are long gone, so I'm not inclined to spend big money for any kind of service, etc. Who would go, just us kids and maybe the grandkids (who she really has not seen in years and at this point cannot remember?)

I can understand when someone is younger, well-loved, honor them and remaining family, etc, or if the deceased wanted something special and pre-paid or had life insurance to cover it and left instruction, fine. But for someone who really has no one left and no way to pay for it?

Our mom also has the option to be buried in the Marine's plot with dad, which I believe is no extra cost for that (VA benefit?), and is what she indicated she wanted up to/when she was still early dementia... right now she is more focused on visiting her mother (gone about 40 years) or what her mother is doing for each major holiday... :-}

My beloved father was an educator and made it clear to us that when he died he wanted to donate his body to the university where he had received his degree. He signed the papers several months before he passed away. There was absolutely no cost involved. Within hours of his death, a very kind, compassionate representative from the university came to transport him. It was a very simple and dignified procedure. My son and my mother both passed away within a year of my dad's passing and, according to their wishes, they were both cremated. In each case, the funeral home picked up the body and several days later, we were able to collect the cremains which were contained in a plastic container. The container was enclosed in a lovely red velvet bag. Each cremation cost $600.
I don't know how you feel about cremation--everyone is entitled to their own opinions. But I feel sad that you are having to stress about finances regarding end of life decisions. Funerals are for the living--there are ways to say good-bye, honor your mom, and bring closure and peace to those who love her without going into major debt. You don't need or deserve the extra stress and expense that burial can bring. My heart is with you.

In Arizona there is an org. called "Research for Life." We found out about it from one of Mom's friends who just did not want to spend a lot on his funeral...he wanted to leave his kids the money instead. They came and got his body when he expired, with in 48 hrs. They cremated him and returned his ashes to his family. Not for everyone ...but is one way to go.