Understanding Cremation: Myths, Facts and Options

When a family is faced with planning a final farewell, one of the first decisions is whether to choose cremation or burial. Each option carries its own traditions, benefits, and possibilities for personalization. As a fourth-generation, family-owned funeral home, we have seen many families faced with this decision and know the importance of giving them the information to make the right decision for their family. This two-part blog series offers a simple, clear look at both cremation and burial—addressing common myths, sharing meaningful options, and helping you understand how each path can honor a life well lived.

Cremation has become one of the most common choices for final arrangements in recent years. Families choose cremation for many reasons—flexibility, simplicity, cost considerations, environmental concerns, or personal and spiritual beliefs. 

One misconception  is that cremation limits the ability to hold a meaningful service. In reality, cremation is simply one method of caring for a loved one’s remains. Families can still choose to have a traditional funeral beforehand, a memorial service afterward, or a celebration of life weeks or even months later. Cremation allows more flexibility in timing, which can be helpful for families spread across the country.

Another myth is that cremation leaves no permanent place for remembrance. Many families choose to place the urn in a cemetery niche, bury it in a family plot, or create a dedicated memorial space at home. Others prefer to scatter ashes in a meaningful location. The key is that cremation does not take away the opportunity for a lasting tribute—it simply offers more ways to shape it.

It is important to understand that the cremation process itself is carried out with great care, dignity, and respect. As funeral professionals, we adhere to strict identification and handling procedures to ensure that your loved one is treated with the same level of professionalism as in any other form of final care.

Perhaps the greatest strength of cremation is the freedom it offers. Families can design a farewell that truly reflects the individual—whether that’s a formal service in a place of worship, a gathering in a favorite garden or by the ocean. It’s not about following a set formula but creating a tribute that feels right and brings comfort. Understanding these options can help families make a decision that feels meaningful and right for them.

In our next blog we will take a closer look at the option of a traditional burial.