Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Texas

These are two very separate issues. First, it isn't clear if you mean ex-wife (as in divorced) or ex-wife (as in widow.) A divorced spouse isn't likely going to have any say in the funeral arrangements for your friend. A widow, however, is in a different position altogether. If you want a straight response, let's straighten out your facts first.

As for the insurance proceeds, you may not be entitled to know who the beneficiary of any life insurance policy is. The insurance provider should be notified of your friend's death, and then the company will provide its information to the beneficiaries designated in the policy. The beneficiary will need to formalize their insurance claim, which usually means filling out a form and providing proof of their identity. Unless you're the Executor of your friend's estate, or one of the beneficiaries, contacting the insurance provider will get you nowhere.