1. What is cremation?
 
2. How are funeral arrangements different when cremation is chosen?
 
3. What happens to the cremated remains after cremation?
 
4. What is an urn?
 
5. Can the urn be buried in a family lot?
 
6. May the remains be scattered?
 
7. What kind of memorials are there?
 
8. Can arrangements for cremation be made prior to need?
 

Question #1What is cremation?
Answer:Cremation is an age-old process by which human remains are reduced to bone fragments -- not ashes -- by heat and evaporation. The container holding the deceased is placed in a specially designed combustion chamber called a retort where the cremation takes place. The bone fragments are then taken out and reduced to a uniform size by mechanical means, any recognizable metal from any prostheses or the container having been removed. Depending upon the size of the body, there are from six to nine pounds of bone fragments left. Each cremation is done individually and carefully to ensure correct identification. Throughout the process, the remains are handled with dignity and respect. Cremation accomplishes in a matter of hours what earth burial accomplishes in months or years.  It is a simple, clean, affordable and dignified process that is increasingly gaining in popularity

Question #2How are funeral arrangements different when cremation is chosen?
Answer:All aspects of any funeral or memorial service depend on individual choice. The same options available to those choosing casket burial are open to those choosing cremation. A casket funeral may be held prior to cremation; a memorial service may be held either before or after. Either may be as simple or formal as desired. A service may also be held for the burial or scattering of the cremated remains.

Question #3What happens to the cremated remains after cremation?
Answer:Cremation is not the end of the process.  Cremated remains are returned only to the person signing the cremation authorization. It is the responsibility of the person having custody of the remains to make arrangements for their final disposition, and the choice is, once again, one of personal preference.  Many choose earth burial, with or without a container or an urn.  The crematory returns the cremated remains in a box acceptable for burial at many cemeteries or an urn may be purchased.  Cemeteries vary in their requirements. Urns may also be placed in niches, which are protected compartments in a structure called a columbarium. These may be indoors or outdoors.

Question #4What is an urn?
Answer:An urn is a container to hold cremated remains.  Various types of urns for holding the cremated remains are available. Some are simple; others elaborate. Materials include bronze, marble, hardwood, granite, ceramic and plastic. The funeral home has on display a wide selection of urns that can be purchased.

Question #5Can the urn be buried in a family lot?
Answer:Yes. At many cemeteries, lots and graves which may no longer have room for casket burials may accommodate urn burials with the consent of the owner. If a memorial at the burial place is desired, however, be sure to ask what restrictions there may be.

Question #6May the remains be scattered?
Answer:In most states the scattering of cremated remains is legal but subject to local restrictions such as obtaining the permission of the property owner. Cremated remains may contain recognizable bone fragments, however, and care should be used in the choice of a scattering location. Many prefer to arrange for the scattering of the remains in the dedicated grounds of a cemetery where some form of permanent memorial is possible and a permanent record of the interment is maintained. Since scattering is an irreversible process, careful thought should be given to this choice.

Question #7What kind of memorials are there?
Answer:Again, cremation does not restrict the type of memorial. The choice varies with individual preference. A memorial can be thought of as a personalized tribute to a person's life. The most common memorial is a marker or monument at the cemetery. It becomes a focal point for remembrance and provides future generations with evidence of a life lived. The type of memorial at the burial site may be restricted by the cemetery, but, otherwise, it is limited only by your imagination. In some cemeteries, endowment funds for various purposes have been used as memorials. Such things as trees, garden plantings, benches, pews, or stained glass windows may be dedicated to someone's memory.

Question #8Can arrangements for cremation be made prior to need?
Answer:Yes. Prearrangement is always advisable. It is suggested that you make your desires known to your family and lawyer. By making your wishes clear, you may ease the burden placed on others at the time of your death.