Frequent Questions

Click on the questions below to reveal each respective answer.

  • What is Cremation?

    The funeral director's job is to assist the bereaved in various ways to help them through the loss of a loved one. A funeral director provides bereavement and consolation services for the living, in addition to making arrangements for the cremation, burial, and memorial services for the deceased. He fulfills the role of funeral arranger, funeral director, funeral attendant, and embalmer.


    The following list is not all-inclusive, but describes some of the major tasks of a funeral director:


    • Removal and transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home
    • Professional care of the deceased, including embalming, casketing, and cosmetology
    • Consulting with family to make arrangements for the funeral service
    • Filing certificates, permits, and other required forms
    • Obtaining copies of the death certificate
    • Arrangements with the cemetery, crematory, or other places of final disposition
    • Creates and publishes the obituary
    • Arrangements for clergy, music, flowers, transportation, pallbearers, and special fraternal or military services
    • Directs and manages the funeral service and the funeral procession
    • Assists the family with death-related claims, including Social Security, VA insurance, grief counseling

  • What does cremated remains mean?

    Cremated remains, a.k.a. cremains, refers to the ashes that remain after the cremation process.

  • Why do most families choose cremation?

    Cremation has become increasingly popular due to its affordability among other reasons. Many people also choose cremation for environmental concerns, the dignity and simplicity of cremation, and the flexibility it affords in the planning and disposition of the body.

  • Can the family be present during cremation?

    Yes. Our modern facility is designed to allow family members to be present during the cremation process.

  • Is embalming required before cremation?

    No. State laws do not mandate embalming prior to cremation. Our proper refrigeration technique and modern facilities eliminate that need. However, the family may opt for embalming when having a funeral service or viewing.

  • Is an urn required for cremation?

    The law does not require that families supply an urn. However, the family may choose to bury the remains in an urn, place the urn in a columbarium, store the remains in an urn, or use an urn during a memorial service. If choosing to bury the urn in a cemetery, you may be required to select an urn vault as well which will protect the urn and the surrounding earth.

  • Do I need to purchase a casket?

    The cremation process does not require a casket although there are caskets made specifically for this purpose. All that is needed is a combustible container which will be cremated with the body. This container can be made of wood or cardboard and will offer dignity for the deceased.

  • What happens to the ashes after the cremation process?

    The cremated remains will be handled according to the family’s wishes. The remains can be kept at home, buried in the ground, inurned in a columbarium, or scattered on private or public property depending on state law. They can also be placed in a variety of objects such as a rock or bench outdoors or a piece of jewelry or other keepsake.

  • Can there be a service with a cremation?

    Yes. With a cremation, there are even more options for services than with a burial. There can be a funeral service and a viewing prior to cremation or a memorial service with or without the remains present. There can also be a service to scatter or bury the remains. It is completely up to the wishes of the family.