Cremation is the process of preparing the body for final disposition that is as old as history itself, and as modern as today. Cremation need not replace the funeral traditions that have become so important to so many families. Cremation memorialization assures that you can preserve the comforting values of funeral traditions as well as provide a fitting tribute to honor a life that was well lived.
The means of final disposition is a personal choice, and one that should meet your needs and wishes. There is no right or wrong way when making cremation arrangements; only CHOSEN ways. Any options you select must meet your wishes and desires.
We hope that you will take all the time you need to consider the choices and options available to you, ask questions, and depend on your funeral service professional to assist you in any way possible.
To assist you, the major alternatives or options open to you are explained here. This is not intended to be a complete list, only a list of major alternatives for your personal consideration.
Service Options
- Traditional Funeral and Visitation - A family who wishes to have a traditional funeral service and visitation with the body present may do so, and elect to have cremation follow the traditional funeral service.
- Immediate Cremation with Memorial Service - Families who wish to have the body cremated immediately may still select a memorial service. They may also elect to have to cremation memorial present if they desire.
- Night Service - Many families are finding that a service held at night with private interment the following day is increasing in popularity. This allows people who may have some difficulty leaving work to attend.
- Private Service - A service held for members of the family and invited guests only. This is appropriate for the traditional funeral or memorial service.
- Customized Service - Your funeral service professional will assist you in arranging any service that meets your individual wishes and desires.
Location Options
- Funeral Home Chapel, Cemetery Chapel, or Church - A traditional funeral may be conducted in the funeral home chapel, a chapel in a cemetery, or in the church of your choice. We are flexible and will assist you with your choice.
- Memorial Services - A memorial service may be conducted in the funeral home chapel, a chapel in a cemetery, a church, at the home of the deceased, a relative or friend’s home, or any other place you select.
- Services at the Crematorium - A brief service may be held at the crematorium, with the body present, prior to cremation. Due to most space limitations, this is generally limited to family and close friends.
- Service at the Graveside - A memorial service may be held at the graveside, prior to interment or inurnment of the cremation memorial.
- Customized Service - Today’s funeral services and cremation services are more customized and personalized than the past, and these services may be conducted in a place of the family’s choice. We will be happy to assist you in arranging and creating the service of your choice.
Options following Cremation
- Burial of the Cremation Memorial - A cremation memorial may be buried in a grave space in a family plot, or at the foot of an occupied grave (with cemetery permission), or in a spot specifically chosen for the cremation memorial is available for burial of the cremation memorial in the ground.
- Placement in a Niche, Mausoleum, and/or Columbarium - Most cemeteries offer placement of the cremation memorial in a niche, mausoleum, or columbarium, or a combination of all of them. They are generally above ground receptacles with brass, marble, or glass fronts. Your funeral service professional will be able to advise you as to what is available in your areas.
- Urn Garden - An urn garden is a special area in a cemetery designated for the burial of cremation memorials only. A marker of some type is generally used to distinguish each plot.
- Preparation of a "Remembering Place" - This is generally an area that the family selects and designates as a final place of remembrance after the cremated remains have been scattered. It provides a place for this and future generations to return to for honoring the deceased. It can take any form that the family desires.
- Scattering Garden - An area in a cemetery where cremated remains may be scattered in a garden setting. Sometimes a large memorial is available where individual plaques may be placed in remembrance of those scattered there.
- Cremation Memorial may be taken home - A family may elect to take the cremation memorial home and maintain it there. This is entirely a personal decision, and one that should be given careful consideration before a decision is made. Too often a memorial urn can be lost or misplaces during a move, or sometimes even stolen or broken.
- Scattering - The cremated remains may be scattered in a place of the family’s choice, as long as that location is in accordance with the Federal or State ordinances and/or laws. We will be happy to guide you through the requirements in your area.
Other Options Available
To accommodate increasing requests from family members, a rental casket is available to allow for visitation and a traditional funeral without the purchase of the casket.
Also, an increasing number of families are requesting the rental of the cremation memorial for use at a memorial service. Memorial services may be conducted with the cremation memorial present. Many families are also including mementos and other items that help make the service more customized and personalized.
A large number of families are requesting that their funeral service professional allow them to privately view the deceased in a visitation room, prior to cremation being performed. We will be happy to accommodate any of these wishes. |
At G. L. Hills Funeral Home, we are committed to providing you with the guidance, assistance, and support that you need to create truly special services. Should you have any questions about any of the cremation options discussed above or about the other services we offer, we encourage you to contact us at (847) 699-9003, or you may reach us via email at glhillsfuneralhome@sbcglobal.net. | 
