Traditional Funeral or Cremation?
The Traditional Funeral with burial:
The Traditional Funeral typically includes a time of visitation for family and friends to pay their final respects to their loved one. Oftentimes this is done the day before the funeral along with a brief time before the funeral service. After the funeral service is completed (either at the funeral home, church, other location), the family and friends of the loved one typically go in procession to the final resting place at a cemetery chosen by the family.
At the graveside a brief committal service is often observed and the family and friends are able to say their final good-byes. At Rose Hill cemetery you are able to remain after the committal service to observe the outer burial container being lowered into the ground if you should choose to do so.
Psychologists have long believed the importance of closure that is experienced through the visitation time, funeral service, and going to their loved one's final resting place.
You have many choices of local funeral directors and they are all qualified to assist you with your final arrangements for your loved one.
The Cremation Process: Step-by-Step
Cremation reduces the body to its essential elements through a process that exposes it to open flames, intense heat, and evaporation. This takes place in a specially designed furnace called a cremation chamber or retort. Many crematories require a container for the body, such as a casket appropriate for cremation or a rigid cardboard container.
Cremated remains are commonly referred to as “ashes,” however, in reality, they consist primarily of bone fragments. It is important to recognize that the body’s cremated remains are commingled with any remains of the container and any other incidental by-products of the incineration. Cremation produces 3 to 9 pounds of remains. The exact amount depends on the size of the body and the process used by the crematory.
The process of cremation consists of five basic steps.
The deceased is identified, and proper authorization is obtained.
The body is prepared and placed into a proper container.
The container with the body is moved to the “retort” or cremation chamber.
After cremation, the remaining metal is removed, and the remains are ground.
The “ashes” are transferred to either a temporary container or in an urn provided by the family.
