What is Cremation?
Cremation is a process by which the body is reduced to its basic
elements, bone fragments. The cremation process usually includes
mechanically pulverizing the bone fragments, with the final result
being a quantity of cremated remains.
Cremation is not a final disposition process. It is another step
in the memorialization process. After cremation takes place,
families must make a choice for the final disposition of cremated
remains. Final disposition options include placing the cremated
remains in a decorative urn to be displayed in the home or in a
niche or columbarium, burying the cremated remains in the family's
preferred cemetery, or scattering the cremated remains.
Common Questions about Cremation
Does my religion allow
cremation?
Most religions today accept the practice of cremation,
with the exception of Orthodox Judaism and Islam. In some
traditions, such as Hinduism, it is the preferred method of
disposition. If you aren't sure whether cremation is acceptable in
your own religious tradition, the funeral home staff would be happy
to help you find the answer to this question. back to top
Are traditional services and
cremation services different?
No, they don't have to be. If your preference is cremation, you
may be surprised to learn that choosing cremation does not mean
that you cannot also hold traditional services such as a viewing
and a funeral. Whether you choose cremation or burial, the same
services are available to you, including formal services that
include music, prayers and other rites. A viewing with an open
casket may precede the cremation. In fact, it is important to still
hold some kind of special service to assist the bereaved in the
grieving process.
It is important to remember that the cremation process is not an
end in itself. As cremation grows in popularity, so does the
memorial service--a special service that takes place after
cremation has occurred. The body is not present during a memorial
service, but the cremated remains in a decorative urn could be
included. A memorial service allows family and friends to come
together to remember the deceased, just as a visitation does. back to top
Can I have a funeral if I choose
cremation?
Absolutely. Choosing cremation does not limit the types
of services you may choose. If you choose to have a
visitation/viewing or a funeral, the cremation process will take
place after these ceremonies have concluded. You can choose to have
an open casket at the funeral. Nearly every wooden casket can be
cremated, and we offer several attractive wooden caskets that are
designed specifically for cremation. Ask your funeral director to
see a selection of cremation caskets from which to choose. back to top
Can I plan for
cremation in advance?
Yes. For more information about planning a funeral in
advance, please visit our Pre-Planning section. back to top
Is embalming required?
No. However, most states insist on embalming under
certain circumstances such as when the death is caused by a
contagious disease or if final disposition isn't made within a
certain time frame. Embalming preserves the body, often allowing
more time for arrangements. It is required if there will be a
visitation. If the deceased is to be directly buried or cremated,
embalming is not necessary.
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Is a casket required?
Most crematories require that the body be encased in a
combustible, rigid container. Any wood casket will satisfy this
requirement. Some wood caskets are designed specifically for
cremation. You can also choose to use alternative containers of
cardboard, particle board, etc. Generally speaking, a cremation
container must be strong enough to assure the safety of the
crematory operator as well as provide proper covering and meet
reasonable standards of respect and dignity of the deceased. Ask
your funeral director what options are available. back to top
How can we personalize a
cremation?
Even if your preference is cremation, you can choose to
hold many different types of services--a visitation, funeral
service, witness cremation, graveside service, or a memorial
service. Any of these can be personalized in a number of ways. Each
ceremony should be as unique as the life being celebrated. Ideas
for a special service are always welcome in our funeral home.
Many families add a personal touch to funeral services by
incorporating memorabilia that represent a loved one's hobbies or
passions. For the avid sports fan, a few of his or her collector's
items could be displayed. For the artist, a display of recent works
or even the artist's tools can provide a personal touch. Some
families take it a step further, such as providing homemade
chocolate chip cookies for funeral attendees who knew the deceased
as a skilled cook. These unique touches can help family and friends
remember the deceased's personality and relive the traditions that
meant so much. Photo albums and memorial tribute DVDs are also
great ways to remember the past.
Personalized merchandise is also popular. Some caskets include
interchangeable corners, and you may choose corners that represent
the life of your loved one. Caskets can also be personalized with
an embroidered panel. Cremation urns and keepsakes can be engraved.
The funeral home also offers a wide variety of other merchandise
such as keepsake jewelry and stationery products that can reflect
the life of your loved one.
Today, it is becoming more popular to hold unique services
outside of the funeral home. This is especially true for families
choosing cremation. After the cremation takes place, memorial
services can take place nearly anywhere--in your home, in a local
park, or even at a sporting event. Many families who opt to scatter
their loved one's cremated remains will hold a special scattering
ceremony. We can help you organize these types of services. A
funeral director is also an event planner. Whatever your
preferences or ideas may be, we can work to help you create a
memorable and meaningful tribute. back to
top
How can we be sure that we receive
the correct cremated remains back?
Many families are concerned that they will not receive
the correct cremated remains back from the crematory. This stress
arises from the simple fact that cremation is an irreversible
process, and cremation destroys all DNA evidence in the remains. To
ease your conerns, our crematory places the utmost importance on
our identification process. This ensures that you will receive the
cremated remains of your loved one. Some crematories offer the
ability to witness the body being placed in the cremation chamber.
This can help ease anxieties about whose remains are returned to
the family. If you are concerned, ask your funeral director for
more information. back to top
Can we take cremated
remains on a plane?
Yes, you can carry cremated remains with you on an
airline. Some airlines do not accept cremated remains as checked
luggage. You must contact the airline directly to verify this. If
you plan to transport an urn as a carry-on item, the urn must be
able to pass through the x-ray scanner. You'll also need to carry
proper documentation with you (certified death certificate,
certificate of cremation, etc.). If the urn cannot be scanned, it
will not be permitted on the flight. Under no circumstances will a
TSA employee open an urn to inspect its contents, even if the
family insists. Click here for the TSA's official guidelines
regarding the transport of cremated remains. back to top