To begin with, it is probably easier to describe what cremation isn't. Cremation is not a final disposition of the remains, nor is it a type of funeral service. Rather, it is a process of reducing the human body to bone fragments using high heat and flame. 

• Gather the following information to complete the State vital statistic requirements:
• Birth Date
• Birthplace
• Father's Name
• Mother's Name
• Social Security Number
• Veteran's Discharge or Claim Number
• Education
• Marital Status

1. Consider how Our online arranger will assist you in determining the number of copies of the death certificates you will be needing and can order them for you.
2. Make a list of immediate family, close friends and employer or business colleagues. Notify each by phone.
3. Decide on appropriate memorial to which gifts may be made (church, hospice, library, charity or school).
4. Gather obituary information you want to include such as age, place of birth, cause of death, occupation, college degrees, memberships held, military service , outstanding work, list of survivors in immediate family. Include time and place of services. Click HERE for our guide to writing the obituary.  The obituary can be posted on our website for digital access and to share with others electronically.  This online obituary is provided at no additional cost to the family.

All organic bone fragments, which are very brittle, as well as non-consumed metal items, are "swept" into the back of the cremation chamber and into a stainless steel cooling pan. All non-consumed items, like metal from clothing, hip joints, and bridge work, are separated from the cremated remains. This separation is accomplished through visual inspection as well as using a strong magnet for smaller and minute metallic objects. Items such as dental gold and silver are non-recoverable and are commingled in with the cremated remains. The remaining bone fragments are then processed in a machine to a consistent size and placed into a temporary or permanent urn, selected by the family. 

We return remains in a temporary container but we offer a variety of affordable urns. The family may choose to provide their own container in which the cremated remains will be placed.  

If you request immediate assistance, yes. If the family wishes to spend a short time with the deceased to say good-bye, that’s perfectly acceptable. Your funeral director will come when your time is right.

Cremated remains resemble coarse sand and are whitish to light gray in color. The remains of an average size adult usually weigh between four to eight pounds of cremated remains. 

We return remains in a temporary cardboard box. The family may choose to provide their own container in which the cremated remains will be placed once they are returned to the family.

Never. Not only is it illegal to do so, most modern cremation chambers are not of sufficient size to accommodate more than one adult. Thus it would be a practical impossibility to conduct multiple cremations simultaneously.

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.

Cremation regulations vary from state-to-state.

With cremation, your options are numerous. The cremains can be interred in a cemetery plot, i.e., earth burial, retained by a family member, usually in an urn, scattered on private property, or at a place that was significant to the deceased. (It would always be advisable to check for local regulations regarding scattering in a public place-your funeral director can help you with this.)

Today, there are many different types of memorial options from which to choose. Memorialization is a time-honored tradition that has been practiced for centuries. A memorial serves as a tribute to a life lived and provides a focal point for remembrance, as well as a record for future generations. The type of memorial you choose is a personal decision.

You might choose ground burial of the urn. If so, you may usually choose either a bronze memorial or monument. Cremation niches in columbariums are also available at many cemeteries. They offer the beauty of a mausoleum setting with the benefits of above ground placement of remains. Many cemeteries also offer scattering gardens. This area of a cemetery offers the peacefulness of a serene garden where family and friends can come and reflect.

If you wish to have your ashes scattered somewhere, it is important to discuss your wishes to be scattered ahead of time with the person or persons who will actually have to do the cremation ashes scattering ceremony, as they might want to let your funeral professional assist in the scattering ceremony. Funeral directors can also be very helpful in creating a meaningful and personal ash scattering ceremony that they will customize to fit your families specific desires. The services can be as formal or informal as you like. Scattering services can also be public or private. Again, it is advisable to check for local regulations regarding scattering in a public place-your funeral director can help you with this.

Yes — Depending upon the cemetery's policy, you may be able to save a grave space by having the cremains buried on top of the casketed remains of your spouse, or utilize the space provided next to him/her. Many cemeteries allow for multiple cremated remains to be interred in a single grave space.

We have developed the most rigorous set of operating policies and procedures in order to maximize our level of quality and minimize the potential for human error. Positive identification of the deceased is assured throughout each stage of the cremation process. We only allow certified professionals to operate our cremation equipment.

An urn is not required by law, though families may like to purchase one to contain the remains.  Caskets and/or embalming are neither required nor necessary for a cremation.  It is against the law for a funeral home to require embalming before a cremation.