What Options Are Available in Services and Disposition?
A valuable aspect of contemporary funerals is their individuality. Whether a ceremony is elaborate or simple, funerals are often individualized to reflect the life of the deceased and to hold special meaning for family and other survivors. It may reflect one’s religious beliefs as a reaffirmation of faith in a greater life beyond this world. It may reflect the occupation or hobbies of the deceased. It may center around an ethnic background or social affiliation. In our society, three basic forms of final disposition are practiced. The first is earth burial which continues to be the form of disposition chosen most often. Cremation is also a choice. This is a process of preparing the body for final disposition whereby the body is reduced by intense heat over several hours to a few pounds of small fragments. These cremated remains are usually placed in an urn which may be buried, placed in a memorial niche, or kept in some other location. Cremated remains may also be scattered where permi
