Burial Services and Options
The most commonly selected type of disposition is that of burial. A burial service
normally follows some form of a service. Let us help you recognize some of the most
common and healing types of services chosen.
Traditional Chapel or Church Funeral Service
A "Traditional Service" generally refers to a service held at the funeral home or
at a church. The family will select which setting best fits their needs. For a smaller
more intimate setting, one might choose the funeral home. However, many families
prefer their place of worship. Religious beliefs, ethnic heritage, and personal
preference all play an important role in determining where the service will be held.
Generally, a visitation will be held the evening before at the funeral home where
friends may call to pay their respects to the bereaved family. The casket may be
opened or closed during the time of the visitation. The funeral service will take
place the following day either at the funeral home or church. The cortege will then
go in procession to the cemetery for a brief committal prayer and final blessing.
Graveside Service
Some families will choose to have a simple graveside service. Since the service
is
held outdoors, most people will be standing during the service. Normally, there
is still a visitation the evening prior to the service.
Direct Burial
Please note that there is no requirement for a service or visitation to be held
prior
to burial. If this manner of disposition is desired, a direct burial would be arranged.
Once the legal documents have been filed, the casket would be delivered privately
by the funeral home staff to the cemetery of choice, where the casket would be placed
immediately in the grave for final disposition.
Cremation Arrangements and Options
Cremation is another form of disposition. However, it does not take the place of
a traditional funeral. It is merely another form of disposition. We have found that
in order for most individuals to go through the proper steps of the grief process,
it is healthy and beneficial to have a visitation and traditional funeral with cremation
to follow.
Celebration of Life Service with Cremation Following
Over the past 25 years, many families have chosen cremation as a form of disposition.
However, there were many that did not understand that there were options available.
With the use of a rental casket, a visitation and traditional funeral service can
be accomplished within the budget of most families.
Memorial Service
A "Memorial Service" is simply defined as a funeral service without the body present.
If cremation is involved, the family may choose to have the cremated remains present.
This is not necessary, but is a simple option.
A memorial service may be held anywhere. One might choose the funeral home, a church,
the family home, a restaurant, a park, or even at a favorite family camp site.
Since the casket is not present, photographs, flowers, or personal items of the deceased
are often displayed at the focal point of the service.
Direct Disposition (Cremation)
This type of disposition does not involve any visitation or service. Removal of the
deceased is made from the place of death, and after the legal documents have been
completed, the remains are taken to our crematory for the cremation process to begin.
Disposition of Cremated Remains
Cremation is not "Final Disposition." The family must decide the manner of final
disposition. The cremated remains may be retained in the family home; buried in
a cemetery ground space (either individually or with previously interred family
members); placement in an above ground cemetery niche (called a columbarium); or
they may be scattered on land or at sea.