Questions about cremation, part 2

A couple of days ago, we started answering some of the
many questions that are asked of funeral directors about
the process of cremation.

It is of course, an irreversible event, so when it's completed,
there is no changing one's mind. The two plus hours at
1500-1800 degrees reduces the body and any container that
surrounded it to some large bone fragments which will
then be put through a chipper- type machine which will
reduce them further.  The cremains are then put in a
plastic bag with a twist tie, and then into a cardboard
box to be returned to the funeral home, and then to
the family. Or they can be loaded directly into an urn
for burial or display if that container is provided ahead of
time.

Many people will keep cremains in their home for awhile
to give time to think about a final 'disposition.'
With the cremains will be a certificate of cremation stating
the deceased's name, date of cremation and where the cremation took place. That piece of paper should stay with the cremains, as it will be needed down the road if they are to be buried in a formal cemetery setting.

Now the tough considerations. Let's look at them one at a  time, as they all have possible ramifications.

Burial-many people want to bury the cremains in a cemetery lot with other family members. No two cemeteries seem to have the same rules about burial of cremains. To find out what the rules are for the cemetery you want to use, contact your local registrar or clerk. They can put you in touch with the cemetery sexton that is in charge of the cemetery in which you want to make burial.
They will give you the rules that apply there.  In most states,
 you do not need a funeral director to bury cremains..
A funeral director is required to facilitate a burial of a whole body.
Again, these things vary state to state, country to country.
I'm old school here. I've always felt that at least
part of the cremains should be buried in a cemetery
so the family has a place to go and visit. That may
sound kind of odd...but I think everyone should have
a final resting place. The blue Marbelon urn pictured
here is a typical one that would be used for
ground burial.


Separation of cremains-many people want to split cremains up among family members..and that is done quite frequently. Small urns such as keepsake urns, about 2" high, are available to put small amounts of cremains in. Also, cremation jewelry is available for people who want to put a few grains of ash in them. Most directors offer a line of cremation product that will satisfy your needs.

In a couple of days, we'll be back and talk about the  scattering of cremains.. and some final thoughts...and maybe share this site with friends
who might find this helpful.
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