Cremation Options

Cremation is a personal choice. Whether you choose burial, entombment or cremation it is wise to consider the emotional needs of your survivors. By including your family in your decision you may avoid the possibility of added stress during a very emotional time.

Cremation is a process used to prepare the human body for final disposition. Through the use of intense heat and direct flame, the body is reduced to bone fragments. Cremation is not intended to replace the elements of a traditional funeral which may include any or all of the following; a service or ceremony at the church, funeral home chapel or other location; a visitation, viewing or wake; a graveside service. It is simply an alternative to earth burial or entombment of the body of the deceased.


Reasons for choosing cremation range from personal preference and monetary concerns to religious beliefs. Because religious beliefs concerning cremation have varied greatly in the past, you may want to check with your clergy person before making a final decision. Regardless, almost all religions encourage permanent memorialization of cremated remains.

Services & Gatherings

Many believe that if you choose cremation, you are limited to a very simple service or no service at all. The fact is, cremation in no way prevents a family and friends from participating in the traditions, ceremonies or rituals of a funeral service. There are many options: cremation with public or private viewing only, cremation with viewing and/or ceremonies, cremation with a memorial service and no viewing, cremation with full ceremonies or cremation with no ceremonies. This is a list of the most common choices but you can personalize services to suit your family traditions or customs.

When people realize these choices are available, the majority select some type of ceremony. Ceremonies and viewings are intended to help survivors by providing an opportunity to acknowledge the loss and by offering a sense of closure. They provide a time for loved ones to release their feelings and share their grief, so the healing process may begin.

Memorial Service

The only difference between a funeral service and a memorial service is at times the body is not present at a memorial service. However, during a memorial service, the cremated remains may be present in an urn. Many times the family will have chosen the option to view the deceased before cremation and the memorial service.

Cremation With No Ceremony 

Final Disposition Options

A funeral director should be contacted for the transfer of the deceased when the choice is for cremation with no ceremony or immediate cremation. However, immediate cremation should be given serious thought. When immediate cremation is desired, it generally takes place without embalming, viewing, ceremony or gatherings or other elements of a funeral service. Survivors often regret not having some form of service or ceremony or viewing to provide the opportunity to say good-bye. It has been proven that taking part in the processes of arranging and attending funeral ceremonies are therapeutic. So be sure to consider all of your options before making this decision.

What should be done with cremated remains? This is another important decision when choosing cremation. Again you have several options.

Some prefer to keep the cremated remains in their personal possession. Others feel it is more appropriate to put the cremated remains in a formal or permanent location. It is common to bury the urn just as you would bury a casket. This allows the family to remain together in a burial plot regardless of each family members choice of preparation for final disposition. The burial site offers a permanent place for family and fiends to visit and reflect on the life of the deceased. Burial can also be in an urn garden or a private crypt.

A columbarium also provides a permanent place for the family to visit.

The columbarium niche is marked with a nameplate listing dates of birth and death. This choice is ideal for those who prefer above ground entombment.

There are many options when choosing cremation. Just remember that cremation is a very personal choice and it is your choice. Please contact us at The Murphy Funeral Home if you need more information to help you make this important personal decision. We will be pleased to send you a copy of the booklet, "Cremation, A Personal Choice".

For more information www.cremationoptions.com

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