Frequent QUESTIONS

Cremation is the process of reducing the human body to ash, bone, and mineral fragments using heat and flame. Cremation is an alternative to burying a body in a casket. In most situations, cremation does not require embalming, and the family is allowed to view the deceased prior to cremation if they choose. The ash and bone fragments left over are then processed to a consistent size, placed in an urn, and returned to the family.

Reasons are personal and vary from individual to individual. Some people choose cremation for economic or environmental reasons, while others simply prefer the method over a casket burial.

Some religions prefer cremation; some do not recommend the practice; most permit you to choose. Should you have any questions or concerns, speak with a member of your clergy. Some religions that do not permit cremation include Orthodox Jewish, Islamic, Eastern Orthodox, and a few Fundamentalist Christian faiths.

Remains can be buried in a cemetery plot or cremation garden, inurned in a columbarium, kept at home, or scattered.

Since cremation is irreversible, we are required to have your legal next of kin give us written permission before we can cremate your human remains.  This legal authority varies from state to state and can have a profound impact on how your final wishes are carried out.  Generally speaking, most states follow the next of kin order of succession:  1) legal spouse; 2) all adult children; 3) surviving parent(s); 4) sibling; 5) any person in the next degree of kinship; 6)legal guardian/agent.  If adult children or parents are the legal authority, then all surviving persons in that category must give written authorization.  If one of them does not or will not give authorization, we cannot legally proceed with the cremation until ALL of them are in agreement.