WHAT HAPPENS TO THE CREMATED REMAINS?

The cremation process, throughout most of the United States, is regarded as the final and legal disposition. The cremains are returned to the person who has legal authority, most often the next of kin, for the final arrangements of the cremains. The cremains are usually returned in a plastic or cardboard crematory container to this person.

WHAT CHOICES ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE CREMAINS?

Once you have chosen the cremation process for your loved one, you will want to decide how the cremains will be cared for in the years to come.

Sometimes loved ones have asked to have their cremains scattered in a special place, a garden perhaps or on a hilltop. Local regulating ordinances should always be checked regarding the scattering so that a proper place can be chosen. Your funeral director, clergy, or family may be chosen to perform the scattering, whatever is meaningful for the deceased or the family.

Families may choose to keep the cremains in a special place within the family home, or to divide the cremains among family members. Decorative urns, in various sizes, are available for this purpose.

Alternatively, the family may choose to have the special urn placed at the cemetery. Urns may be placed in a cremains depository or other special area designated by the cemetery especially for cremains. Other families may decide that a grave is the appropriate final resting place.

WHERE CAN SPECIAL URNS BE PURCHASED?

The Dove Society offers a wide selection of decorative urns. Urns may be selected to commemorate something special about the loved one. The family may choose an urn that has a meaning personal to the family. Urns may also be chosen for their beauty or styling appropriate to the family environment and decor. If you would like help with your selection, just let us know.