Cremation Services

Cremation has become a widely chosen alternative to traditional burial, with a variety of reasons influencing this decision. For some, cremation aligns with religious customs, while others view it as a more environmentally friendly option. Many people are drawn to the simplicity or symbolism of cremation. The process involves placing the body into a specialized high-temperature chamber, where it is reduced to bone fragments and processed into a substance similar to coarse sand.

Once cremation is complete, families have several options for handling the remains. Ashes can be scattered in a meaningful location, interred in a cemetery, or kept at home in an urn. Today, there are also creative and personal ways to memorialize cremated remains—such as incorporating them into artificial coral reefs, launching them into space, placing them in biodegradable balloons, or crafting them into glass artwork or synthetic diamonds.

Religious views on cremation vary significantly. Some traditions embrace it, while others discourage or prohibit it. For instance, the Catholic Church lifted its ban on cremation in 1963, though it continues to favor burial. Many Protestant denominations now accept cremation, though it was once discouraged. In Eastern faiths like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, cremation is customary and often required. In contrast, Islam and Orthodox Judaism prohibit cremation. However, some branches of Judaism now permit it, although burial is still commonly preferred.

What is cremation?
Cremation is the process of using intense heat to reduce a human body to bone fragments. It is a method of final preparation, not a funeral service in itself, and what follows—memorial or burial—can vary by preference.
Is a casket required for cremation?
No casket is necessary. Most states require the body to be placed in a combustible container, such as one made from wood or cardboard. Some states may not require any container at all.
Is embalming necessary before cremation?
No. Embalming is not a legal requirement and cannot be enforced by a funeral home.
Can the body be viewed if it hasn’t been embalmed?
Yes, in many cases, immediate family members are allowed to view the body prior to cremation, even if embalming has not been performed.
Can family members be present during the cremation?
Yes. Some crematories offer the option for family to witness the placement of the body into the cremation chamber, especially for those whose religious or personal beliefs include this practice.
Is it acceptable to bring an urn into a church?
In most Protestant denominations, urns are welcome at memorial services. Catholic Churches generally permit cremated remains to be present during a Memorial Mass, offering a meaningful presence during the ceremony.
What options are available for the cremated remains?
Laws differ by location, but cremated remains can often be buried in a traditional plot, placed in a cremation garden, stored in a columbarium, kept at home, or scattered in a meaningful place.
How long does cremation take?
Cremation time varies based on the individual's weight and size. For most adults, the process takes approximately two to three hours at temperatures ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
What do cremated remains look like?
The remains resemble a coarse, sand-like material and are typically gray in color. The total weight of the remains for an average adult is usually between 7 and 8 pounds.
Is an urn required?
There is no legal requirement to use an urn. However, an urn may be chosen for display during a service or for burial or placement in a niche. If one is not provided, the remains are usually returned in a basic, temporary container.