Cremation Services
With cremation services, we at Greenwell Funeral Home believe you should be able to choose the type of service that you find most meaningful. That's why our list of services includes many options.
Many people believe that the process of cremation is an end in itself, but it is not. Cremation is only a step for memorialization. It does not differ from what people know as a traditional funeral. When choosing cremation you have the same options for memorialization as any other family has. Cremation can take place before or after the funeral service. It is important to remember that choosing cremation does not limit the funeral in any way. If we haven't answered your question about cremation please contact us directly.
Contrary to what most people believe cremation does not necessarily eliminate a funeral service. A funeral service followed by cremation need be no different than a funeral service followed by ground burial. Following the funeral service and cremation, the cremated remains are usually placed in an urn before being committed to a final resting place. The cremation urn may be interred in an existing family burial plot, interred in a special cremation section at a cemetery or placed in an indoor or outdoor cemetery columbarium. Many people prefer to have the urn at home with them.
Scattering cremated remains may be done at a designated place on land or water in accordance with provincial and local laws. Scattering cremated remains on someone's private property requires their permission. It is not recommended to scatter on your personal property (should your home be sold) or on public property where others may come into contact with the cremated remains. For many people, it is important to have a permanent place to go to visit. This allows family and friends the ability to remember and celebrate a life that has been lived and touched others.
Can there be funeral services or ceremonies if cremation is chosen?
Cremation does not limit, but in fact increases the options available. The options for ceremonies prior to or following the cremation can include the selection of a casket or an urn, visitation with the body present (or memorial visitation where the urn is the focal point), a display of photographs or personal effects and awards, the location of the funeral ceremony and selection of music. We will answer many of the common questions about cremation in the next few paragraphs.
CREMATION Q & A:
When making funeral arrangements, people have to make the decision regarding the method of disposition. Earth burial, mausoleum entombment or cremation may be chosen. We will answer many of the common questions regarding cremation and will help to simplify your decision making process. For more information please contact us directly.
WHAT IS CREMATION?
Cremation is a process of reducing the body to bone fragments by applying intense heat for a period of two to three hours. The cremated remains, which are commonly referred to as “ashes” are removed from the cremation chamber. They are then processed into finer fragments and placed in a temporary container. The ashes typically weigh between three and six pounds. An urn may be selected for the final disposition of the cremated remains.
WHERE AND WHEN DOES CREMATION TAKE PLACE?
Cremations occur at a crematorium in a special furnace called a cremation chamber or retort. State regulations allow only one cremation at a time.
DO WE NEED TO BUY A CASKET?
Most states require, at a minimum, that the deceased must be placed into a combustible, leak proof container. Many different options at many price ranges are available to you.
CAN WE PLACE PERSONAL MEMENTOS IN THE CASKET PRIOR TO CREMATION?
Many personal items may be placed in the casket; however, some items may need to be removed prior to the cremation. All items left in the casket will be destroyed during the cremation. Your funeral director can advise you on what items may stay and what items must be removed.
DO WE NEED TO HAVE A FUNERAL IF WE SELECT CREMATION?
Cremation does not limit the type of funeral service that may be chosen. The same options that apply to earth burial are available with cremation. Some of these choices include: casket type, location of the service and visitation, music selection, open casket and the display of personal mementos. Some families select to have a complete service at the funeral home or place of worship. Others prefer to have a procession to the crematorium similar to earth burial.
IS EMBALMING REQUIRED?
Embalming is not mandatory; however, some circumstances may require it. If you wanted an open casket with a visitation prior to the service, embalming is highly recommended.
WHAT IS AN URN?
An urn is a container designed to hold cremated remains permanently. It may be constructed from a variety of materials such as wood, bronze, copper, steel, pewter, granite, marble, clay pottery or fine porcelain. We have a large selection of urns available designed to reflect the lifestyle of an individual. Urns may also be personalized by engraving. Urns also come in a variety of sizes known as “Keepsake Urns” that allow more than one member of the family to keep a portion of the ashes.
WHAT CAN WE DO WITH THE CREMATED REMAINS?
Burial: Ashes may be buried in an existing cemetery plot or a new plot may be purchased.
Inurnment: The urn may be placed in a niche in an above ground structure called a columbarium.
Scattering: Some cemeteries have scattering areas in the cemetery. Cremated remains may be scattered on private or public property if authorization is obtained. It is important to know that once the scattering takes place, it is irretrievable. Properties may be bought and sold. Scattering on either public or private property may offend some people and there may be laws prohibiting such action.
Shipping: You may wish for the ashes to be shipped to another part of the country. We can look after these arrangements for you. You may also be permitted to take the cremated remains yourself, please check with us first and we can provide you with any additional documentation that may be required.
IS CREMATION LESS EXPENSIVE THAN BURIAL?
In addition to the cost of the funeral services and merchandise, there are other factors affecting the cost of cremation. The cremation cost itself may be less expensive than the purchase of a cemetery plot, depending on which cemetery is selected. There is a coroner’s fee in the state of Illinois to authorize the cremation. There is the cost of the urn if one is chosen and any transportation costs of delivering the urn to its final destination.
Cremation is only an option to earth burial or entombment. We provide a wide range of services and merchandise to fit every situation and budget.
Before making an important decision about cremation, it is important to have as much information as possible. We encourage you to contact the Greenwell Funeral Home or by email (info@markwellfuneralhome.com) anytime for further information.
CAN A CREMATION SERVICE BE PERSONALIZED?
All of our services can be customized to meet a family's needs or wishes. Increasingly, we find individuals want to create a memorial that reflects a more personalized and meaningful tribute. Our staff is always available to help you plan and design a memorial that fully reflects your wishes.
A memorial celebrates a life lived, and can take many forms. Whatever your wishes, our staff will be pleased to give you full details about our products and services, and help you make your decision. They will also make sure that any memorial you choose meets all your specifications.
Every funeral service should be a memorable, warm reflection of the person who has died. Many families believe costs may restrict them from planning a fitting tribute.
Photographs, a special song, even a favorite tie or golf clubs, can be incorporated into the funeral service to make it more meaningful. You tell us what it is that made your loved one so special and we'll give you ideas for personalizing the service.
WHAT IS DIRECT CREMATION?
The body is cremated shortly after death, without embalming. The cremated remains are placed in an urn or other container. No viewing or visitation is involved, although a memorial service may be held, with or without the cremated remains present. The remains can be kept in the home, buried or placed in a crypt or niche in a cemetery, or buried or scattered in a favorite spot. Direct cremation usually costs less than the "traditional," full-service funeral. Costs include the funeral home's basic services fee, as well as transportation and care of the body. A crematory fee may be included or, if the funeral home does not own the crematory, the fee may be added on. There also will be a charge for an urn or other container. The cost of a cemetery plot or crypt is included only if the remains are buried or entombed.