*knock, knock, knock*
Twilight put her book down, "Who could be at the door?"
"Twilight it's me, Applejack. I need to talk to you."
She walked to the entrance and opened the door to see Applejack, Big Mac, and the CMC.
"May we come in?"
Twilight gave Applejack a cup of tea and juice boxes to Big Mac and the Crusaders.
Twilight asked, "So what did you want to tell me?"
Applejack sighed, "A few days ago, Granny Smith and Applebloom were playing down at Sweet Apple Acres when Granny Smith suddenly had a heart attack and had to be rushed to the hospital. We thought that it was only a mild one, but it turned out to be fatal."
Big Mac nodded.
Applebloom said, "Dr. Stable called the house and told us that Granny Smith was going to die. We just got back from the hospital and Granny... she-"
She broke down in tears as Twilight hugged her, "I'm really sorry. Granny Smith was a great mare. Without her, Ponyville wouldn't be here today."
Applejack smiled, "Thanks sugarcube. We miss her too. Everyone we've run into has been very sympathetic to us. They all knew Granny Smith."
Twilight hugged Applejack, "The others and I are more than happy to help you plan the funeral. I'll even send an invitation to Celestia and Luna."
"Thanks Twi,"
Twilight called, "SPIKE!" the baby dragon ran into the room, "You wanted to see me?"
"Granny Smith has passed away from an unexpected heart attack. I need you to send a funeral invite to Celestia and Luna."
Spike was curious, "Did they know her?"
"Everypony knew all about her. I was thinking that they could say a few words about her at the funeral."
Spike nodded, "I can do that."
The next day, Applejack, Big Mac, and the Mane 5 went over to Mr. Waddle's funeral home to plan Granny Smith's funeral.
Mr. Waddle took off his hat, "I heard about what happened to Granny Smith. I'm really sorry. I'll guarantee that we will work really hard to give her a proper send-off."
Applejack smiled, "Thank you. I brought my friends here so they can help us out."
Mr. Waddle opened his door, "Come on inside, I'll show you how planning a funeral works."
He led everypony to the main parlor and told them to have a seat.
"First, after the hospital staff declares a pony dead, they are taken to the Ponyville morgue. There, the workers will prepare the body for the burial."
Rarity asked, "And how do they do that?"
"The workers will first bathe the body as a sign of respect and make sure it's all fresh for burial. Then they will drain the body of all of it's fluids to preserve it."
Rarity asked, "I'm not interested in bathing and fluid draining, but I can work in my boutique to make Granny Smith a lovely frock to be buried in."
Applejack looked at Big Mac and he nodded.
Applejack then looked at Rarity, "Okay, you can make her dress. But make sure that it's got a country feel to it. Maybe some gingham."
"I could do that. I have plenty of material to make a beautiful country dress."
Mr. Waddle said, "That's a great idea Rarity, how do feel about doing her makeup too?"
"I would love too darling! Anyone going to the Elysians deserves to look fabulous. I have to get to work right now!"
She gleefully trotted out of the funeral home.
Big Mac said, "Where do you pick out the coffins?"
Mr. Waddle led Big Mac and Applejack to a room where a variety of coffins were.
Mr. Waddle showed them around, "I have a variety of coffins for you to choose from. I have everything from mahogany to applewood."
Applejack said, "I think we'll take a look at the applewood coffins. Apples do run in the family."
"Excellent decision. They're right here."
He pointed to a dark brown wooden coffin with a cross on it.
Applejack smiled at the choice, "This will be perfect for Granny Smith. It's sturdy and comfortable."
"My pleasure. Will your grandmother be buried or cremated?"
Applejack replied, "Granny will be buried in the Ponyville cemetery next to our parents, Bright Mac and Buttercup."
"And what about the tombstone?" Mr. Waddle asked.
"We want it to say 'Granny Smith. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and founder'"
Mr. Waddle smiled, "Thank you for the advice. I will have all of your requests made possible."
Meanwhile in the parlor, Twilight, Spike, and Pinkie Pie were measuring the room for the wake.
Twilight was looking at the table where the coffin would go, "The Apples want an open-casket funeral. So I want to make sure that Granny Smith's coffin is at the perfect position for ponies to look at her and pay their respects."
Meanwhile, Spike was confused, "There are so many ponies in the Apple family. How will they all fit in one room?"
Pinkie bounced up to Spike, "The funeral home is very big. That way, everypony will be able to come to the funeral home for Granny Smith's wake. I asked Mr. Waddle if I could decorate the main parlor for all of the guests when they arrive and he said yes. Afterwards, there will be a funeral procession to the memorial service, which will be held in town hall where we will all share our greatest memories will Granny Smith. After she is buried next to Applejack's parents, there will be a big reception in the town square."
"But how will you decorate the funeral home? You'll only have some flowers from the Flower ponies."
Pinkie Pie said, "Don't worry, I have my party cannon set to funeral so there will be lots of black balloons and streamers."
"What about the food?"
"Already had Applejack give some Apple family recipes to the Cakes."
"The music?"
"Vinyl and Octavia are playing at the funeral and I can play the pipe organ at the wake if you want."
Spike nodded.
Later when the group was together again, Twilight did a little neigh of delight, "With all of us working together, this will be a great send-off for Granny Smith."
Applejack smiled, "I agree. I know somewhere in the Elysians, Granny Smith is proud of us."
Everyone gave Applejack a big hug.