Questions About the Cremation Process

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

All organic bone fragments, which are very brittle, as well as non-consumed metal items are "swept" into the front 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. 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.

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

The cremated remains are placed in a basic container; or they may be placed in the urn of your choice from our large selection of urns available.

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.

There are many options. Cremated remains can be buried in a cemetery lot or cremation garden, inurned in a columbarium, kept at home, or scattered on private property. Our staff will be happy to discuss these options with you and make any arrangements.