At Heritage Cremation Provider we get many questions about cremation
services. Questions that range from whether or not you can have funeral services
before a cremation, to how to cope with the loss of a loved one. It is our hope
that by answering many of these questions online we can be of assistance to you
if you are suffering a current loss, or pre-planning a future cremation service.
Our staff is always prepared to answer any questions you may have in regards to
our services and also what steps your family must take after the loss of a loved
one. Listed below are our most frequently asked questions and answers to help
you better prepare for the days ahead. If you do not see a question you may
have, feel free to call us at anytime and we will be happy to assist you.
What are the choices for interment of the deceased?
A choice must be made regarding permanent arrangements for the remains —
whether or not the deceased’s body is to be cremated. The place of interment is
also commonly referred to as a "final resting place." Typical options for
interment of either whole body or cremated remains are:
- Earth burial
- Entombment
- Burial at sea
- Whole body donation or organ donation followed by one
of the above methods of interment.
What options are available for entombment?
Entombment involves placing the casketed remains in a concrete enclosure
known as a crypt. Mausoleums are buildings that are constructed for purposes of
housing crypts. Mausoleums may be enclosed buildings or open-air structures and
may serve private families or entire communities.
Mausoleum crypts are sealed and marked with a face panel, usually made of
granite or marble. When visiting the crypt, all you see is the face panel with
the name of the person and other information typically found on grave markers.
Lawn crypts are a form of underground entombment. When visiting them, they'll
look like regular grave spaces with headstones to memorialize the deceased.
How do interment options differ for cremated remains?
Cremated remains ("ashes") are generally placed in an urn or some other type
of container. Cemeteries provide grave spaces for earth burial as well as
entombment in a columbarium.
Columbarium’s are structures containing many small compartments ("niches") for
enclosure of urns. Columbarium’s are oftentimes located within mausoleums.
Survivors often keep ashes at home in urns. Many decorative styles of urns are
available. Scattering of ashes is another common option. Local regulations
govern the scattering of ashes on public property. Cemeteries offer scattering
gardens for this purpose.
What are the considerations in choosing between earth burial and entombment?
Earth burial vs. entombment is essentially a matter of personal preference.
Some people prefer the idea of being entombed above ground in a more protected
environment. Others are opposed to extensive land use for purposes of burial and
view entombment as a more environmentally-friendly option. Perpetual care and
maintenance of a grave space may be a concern. Costs are always an issue;
however, costs can vary widely for either earth burial or entombment.
How do I arrange a burial at sea?
Service providers specializing in burial at sea are available through funeral
directors or by contacting them directly. These service providers are familiar
with the various federal and state laws and will handle all governmental
reporting requirements.
The most common method of burial at sea is a scattering of cremated remains.
Whole body burials are possible but they are more involved due, in part, to
regulations requiring them to be done at a specific depth of the sea and the
need for a specially prepared casket that will descend to the ocean floor.
The Department of the Navy offers free burial at sea services for veterans and
their families subject to certain restrictions.
What is cremation and how is it done?
Cremation is the process of reducing the body to its basic elements. The body
is generally cremated in an appropriate casket or container and only one body is
cremated at a time. The contained body is placed in a cremation chamber
("retort") where it is exposed to open flames. Intense heat and evaporation
reduce it to fragments within 2 to 3 hours. The resulting fragments are then
processed further into finer particles. Cremated remains of an adult may weigh 3
to 9 pounds, depending on the size of the body. The cremated remains are placed
in a permanent urn or a temporary container for transport.
What preparation is required before cremation?
Potentially hazardous medical devices such as pacemakers must be removed
prior to cremation. Also, any jewelry or personal articles should be removed or
else they will be destroyed during the cremation process. The body may be
embalmed prior to cremation if required for an open casket viewing or
transportation.
Are there any legal restrictions regarding cremation?
Since it is an irreversible process, many states require that a coroner or
medical examiner authorize all cremations. This ensures that they will have the
opportunity to determine cause of death prior to cremation. Some states impose
minimum time limits prior to cremation.
If cremation is selected, what should be done with the ashes?
Cremated remains ("ashes") are generally placed in an urn or some other type
of container. Cemeteries provide grave spaces for earth burial as well as
entombment in a columbarium. Columbarium’s are structures containing many small
compartments ("niches") for enclosure of urns. Columbarium’s may be
free-standing structures or located within mausoleums.
Family members often keep ashes of loved ones at home. Many decorative styles of
urns are available. Scattering of ashes is another common option. Local
regulations govern the scattering.
What type of container is used for cremated remains?
Cremated remains of an adult may weigh three to nine pounds, which averages
about the size of a shoe box, depending on the size of the body. Choice of
container depends somewhat on whether the ashes will be buried, entombed,
scattered or kept at home.
A temporary container, such as a cardboard box, is adequate if you plan to do a
scattering. A permanent container, such as an urn, may be more desirable for
burial or entombment. Urns can be made of marble, stone, copper, brass or other
materials. For display at home, there are many styles of decorative urns to
choose from. Pendants are sometimes used to carry a portion of the remains on a
necklace.
How does a whole body or organ donation affect funeral ceremonies?
Donation of organs or donation of the body should not affect funeral
ceremonies. Donated organs must be transplanted shortly after death. After the
organs have been taken, all aspects of the funeral can proceed as they would
otherwise, including an open casket viewing, traditional funeral services, and
burial or cremation. Likewise, donation of a body to medical science can be
preceded by a viewing and funeral ceremonies.
How do I become an organ donor?
Take these 3 steps to ensure that your donation wishes will be followed:
1. Make your family aware of your decision to donate. Family consent will be
needed regardless of whether you have signed a Donor Card or a Driver's License.
They will be more likely to follow your wishes if you have discussed the issue
with them previously.
2. Sign a Uniform Donor Card and have 2 people (preferably family members) sign
as witnesses. The back of your Driver's License may also have a donor
authorization form.
3. Carry the Donor Card in your wallet at all times.
Can there be a funeral ceremony when cremation has been chosen?
Yes. A traditional funeral service with the body in an open or closed casket
can precede the cremation. Rental caskets with removable interiors or specially
designed cremation caskets are available for traditional funerals.
Alternatively, a memorial service can be held following the cremation.
What am I suppose to do when I am faced with the loss of a loved one?
1. Call Heritage Cremation Provider at 1-800-972-2070, we will schedule an
appointment and assist you with every detail necessary to respectfully
memorialize your loved one regardless of service option selected. Some
information we will request to complete vital statistic requirements are:
Social Security Number
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
Any Pre-Arrangement / Insurance Documents
Father's Name
Mother's Maiden Name
Veteran's Discharge or Claim Number
Education
Marital Status
2. Contact your clergy. If you don’t have anyone specific, we can provide clergy
for you.
3. Make a list and notify the immediate family, close friends and employer or
business colleagues.
4. Select pallbearers and notify the funeral home.
5. Decide donation to which gifts may be made if this was a wish of your loved
one (church, hospice, library, charity or school).
6. Gather obituary information, including age, place of birth, cause of death,
occupation, college degrees, memberships held, military service, outstanding
work, list of survivors in immediate family.
7. Locate the will and notify lawyer and executor.
8. Plan for disposition of flowers after funeral (church, hospital or rest home)
9. Notify insurance companies.
10. Check all life and casualty insurance and death benefits including Social
Security, credit union, trade union, fraternal, and military.