If you're thinking about cremation, it's important that you know and understand all the choices available to you. Explore the information provided and feel free to call Mark or Leslie to answer any questions you might have. 

What is Cremation?
Cremation is the second most common form of final disposition in North America. During the cremation process, intense heat is used to reduce human remains into small bone fragments. After cremation, these fragments are further reduced into a fine powdery form. Many people choose cremation as a form of disposition for many reasons, some of which are based on family traditions, religious obligations, personal beliefs, environmental concerns, convenience and cost. 

What Must Be Done With the Cremated Remains?
Most crematories return the remains in a plastic or cardboard container. The next of kin have the legal authority to decide what to do with those cremains. Some of the options are:

• The cremains can be removed from the crematory container and placed in a decorative urn kept by the family.

• The urn can be placed in a grave in the cemetery of your choice.

• The cremains may be divided among family members. The divided ashes can be placed in containers provided by the family, or in specially designed mini-urns.

• The family may decide to scatter or spread the cremains in a garden, body of water, or special place that had meaning to the loved one.  The scattering may be done by family members, the funeral director or a professional may be hired to scatter the cremains by boat or plane.

May I Also Have a Funeral or Memorial Service?
There are many options of services to choose from that may be combined with cremation. They are:

• A traditional funeral -- service including a public viewing of the loved one in a casket

• A private funeral service -- service including a viewing of the loved one in a casket by only invited friends and family members

• A modified service -- service held at the crematory which may be public or private

• A memorial service -- may be held days or weeks after the loved one is cremated. The ashes may or may not be present depending on the family's wishes.

• A direct disposition with no services -- with this option, a family chooses to have the loved one transferred from the place of death directly to the crematory with no funeral or memorial service conducted.

Do I Need To Purchase a Casket?
Purchasing a traditional casket is optional, but it will be necessary to purchase some type of rigid container for the loved one to be placed in. Most crematories will not place an unencased body in the cremation retort. For more information on casket types, please visit our merchandise section of this website.

Is Embalming Required?
Embalming is performed to disinfect the body and temporarily preserve it for the duration of the funeral.  If there is to be a viewing with the service, the body will need to be embalmed, however, if there is to be a direct disposition or a service with a closed casket, then embalming would not be necessary unless your loved one is to be transported out of state.

Cremation immediately following death without a viewing or memorial service can leave an emotional void for some family members, and to some, the idea of cremation is upsetting or frightening. Before finalizing any decision on what to do after a death, your immediate family should be consulted. 

For more information on cremation, or if you have questions about any of our services, feel free to call Mark or Leslie at (812) 793.2571 or email us at Adams@AdamsFuneralHomeOnline.com. The reputation we have earned for home town care and service is something we cherish!