Cremation Services & Options
Our funeral home has been a leader in affordable cremation services, having provided cremation as an option for disposition since our opening in 1998. Please call (304) 472-8024 for the most up-to-date pricing information for cremation.
What is Cremation?
The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) defines cremation as: "The mechanical and/or thermal or other dissolution process that reduces human remains to bone fragments followed by processing which includes the pulverization of the bone fragments.”
Cremation Options
- Direct Cremation: Body is removed from place of death and transported to funeral chapel where it is held until necessary paperwork is completed. Once authorizations are signed, the body is transported to the crematorium. After the cremation and processing of the remains, the cremated remains are returned to the family. The direct cremation option does not include any services at the funeral chapel.
- Cremation with Memorial Service: The same procedures described for direct cremation occur, followed by a memorial service held at the funeral chapel, church, or other location.
- Traditional Services followed by Cremation: The body is removed from the place of death and transported to the funeral chapel where embalming is performed. A rental casket is used for a visitation (viewing) and funeral, after which cremation is performed. In this option, cremation simply takes the place of burial as a means of disposition
Disposition of Cremated Remains
- Burial: Cremated remains may be placed in an urn and buried at a cemetery or other location.
- Scattering: Cremated remains may be scattered on private property or cemetery property, per legal and cemetery requirements.
- Inurnment: Cremated remains may be placed in an urn, then kept within a residence, church, or columbarium/mausoleum.
- Other options: Small amounts of cremated remains can be placed in jewelry and other keepsakes for the surviving family.
Requirements for Cremation
Because cremation is irreversible, funeral homes and crematories exercise extreme care in ensuring no future objections will arise to the cremation, wherein the funeral home and crematory can be found liable. A majority of the immediate surviving family members must agree to and sign the authorization for cremation. The funeral home and crematory reserve the right to refuse cremation if any family member protests the cremation. A completed preneed contract or legal will which states the decedent’s desire for cremation will generally satisfy these requirements.