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Cremation is the reduction of the body by flame. It's not a new idea, although the machinery is. The machine is called a retort, large and furnace-like. When turned on, it reaches a temperature of 1800 degrees. The body is placed inside, and within 3 hours is reduced to small bone fragments. These fragments are then further reduced through a pulverizing process, to make what remains somewhat more acceptable to handle. According to our State law, cremation is considered "final disposition", equal to earthen burial or mausoleum entombment. What is done with the cremains is up to each family participating; some options include: burying the cremains in a cemetery, storing them until the mate passes on and placing them inside the casket with their mate, scattering cremains, or retaining them in an urn.

In years past cremation was selected an alternative to a traditional funeral. Today cremation is one of the choices included in traditional funeralization, just as in burial or entombment. Our families are given the choice of 16 different selections, all including a viewing of some sort and concluding with cremation.

When the choice of "direct cremation" is made, included in that service is: removal of the remains from the place of death, sheltering the remains for the mandated 24 hour period, transportation to the crematory, the cremation process and the return of the cremains. No other service is involved. A person sometimes makes this selection for him or herself because of its simplicity, ease and cost. Although through our years of experience we have found that `the funeral is for the living' and those we leave behind must be able to accept the actions of others usually without input. When a direct cremation choice is being considered, it should be discussed with those it is to effect. We must remember that cremation is irreversible, we cannot go back. If all family members are in agreement then direct cremation is the correct selection. But if we have dissenting members we must not cause them irreparable psychological damage. A compromise is usually reached by including a viewing of some sort and a funeral service prior to the cremation (see article on the value of a viewing elsewhere in this site).