Cremation Services

With cremation simply being an alternative to burial or entombment, we believe you should be able to choose the type of service that you find most meaningful and not feel limited. That is why our list of services includes many options.

When you choose cremation, a funeral service is appropriate and recommended. Survivors still need the time and setting to grieve. We offer many types of services specifically for cremations: a traditional service with a visitation and funeral service prior to the cremation, a memorial service with the cremated remains present, a memorial service with no cremated remains but a thoughtful selection of photographs and personal memorabilia or a service at the graveside where the cremated remains are to be interred.

Once cremated, a loved one's cremated remains may be placed in an urn and taken to a final resting place such as a family plot, urn garden, columbarium or a family member's home.  Others choose to scatter in a special cemetery garden or over land or water (where permitted by law). In this case, a portion of the cremated remains is usually kept in a keepsake urn as a remembrance.

Sometimes cremated remains are divided into several urns. This option works well when family members are living in different parts of the country or world.

For more information about cremation and some of the products and services available you can visit  www.cremation-options.com

Cremation FAQ

What is Cremation?

Cremation is the process of reducing the human body to bone fragments using high heat and flame.  Cremation is not the final disposition of the remains, nor is it a type of funeral service.

Is a casket needed for Cremation?

A container constructed of wood or other rigid material is required.  This can be the casket used for services or one selected specifically for the cremation.

Is embalming required prior to cremation?

No.  In fact it is against the law for a funeral home to tell you otherwise.

Can the body be viewed without embalming?

Yes, depending on circumstance surrounding the death, we make every effort to allow families to view the deceased prior to cremation.

Can the family witness the cremation?

Yes they can; some cremation providers will allow family members to be present when the body is placed in the cremation chamber.  Some religious groups even include this as part of their funeral custom.  There is always a surcharge from the crematorium for this service.

Can an urn be brought into church?

Nearly all Churches allow for the urn to be present during the memorial service.  Most Catholic Churches also now allow the cremated remains to be present during the Memorial Mass.  It is encouraged that cremated remains be a part of a funeral as it provides a focal point for the service.  It is necessary to confirm with the clergy.

What can be done with the cremated remains?

While laws vary in jurisdictions, for the most part cremated remains can be buried in a cemetery lot or a cremation garden, interred in a columbarium, kept at home or scattered.  Consideration must be given before scattering, as this is irreversible.  Many families now keep a small portion of cremated remains.

How can I be sure I receive the correct remains?

All reputable cremation providers have developed rigorous sets of operating policies and procedures in order to maximize the level of service and minimize the potential for human error.  Since it is illegal to perform more than one cremation at a time, and the vast majority of crematories can only cremate one body at a time, it is next to impossible to receive the incorrect remains.

How long does the actual cremation take?

It all depends on the weight of the individual.  For an average sized adult, cremation can take two to three hours at a normal operating temperature of between 1,000 and 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

What do the cremated remains look like?

Cremated remains resemble coarse sand with small bone fragments and are whitish to light grey in color.  The remains of an average sized adult usually weighs between 7 and 8 pounds.

Are all the cremated remains returned?

With the exception of minute and microscopic particles, which are impossible to remove from the cremation chamber and processing machine, all of the cremated remains are given back to the family.

Do I need an urn?

An urn is not required by law.  However, an urn may be desired if there is to be a memorial service or if the remains are to be interred in a cemetery.  If an urn is not purchased or provided by the family, the cremated remains will be returned in a temporary plastic container.