Facts About Cremation
key information you will need 

What is Cremation?

Cremation is a process in which the body is reduced to small, skeletal fragments by intense heat and evaporation. This prepares the body for the final disposition. The cremains are then placed in a temporary container or a permanent urn.

What you should consider about Cremation.

Cremation offers a number of options, but it is important to remember that cremation is only a process, not a replacement for a traditional funeral (unless that is what the person desires). Memorial services, either before or after the cremation, serve as a way to honor those who have died. As well as a way to identify the final resting place for the cremains.

Memorial ceremonies

A funeral or memorial service is an opportunity for friends and family to come together and show support for those who are left behind. This sharing of feelings can offer great comfort and consolation to those who are in mourning. Services can be performed, either before cremation, with the body present, or after with the cremated remains. If services are held prior to cremation with the body present, you may want to consider a casket. Remember that the body is cremated in the enclosure in which it arrives at the crematory. Therefore, metal caskets may not be allowed. If services are held after the cremation, you may want to consider a permanent urn for the remains. All services can be tailored to your specific needs, and sentiments.

Where services may be held.

Services may be held in any location you find meaningful. Either a chapel, church, home, or even at the crematory, or the graveside prior to burial of the urn.

Alternatives after cremation.

If the cremains are to be preserved in an urn, there are many options. The urn can be kept in your home, or buried in your family's cemetery plot. Some cemeteries offer a special area specifically for urn burial, with identification markers. Mausoleums and Columbariums offer above the ground structures with niches to hold the urns. These niches are protected by marble, granite, bronze or glass. Plaques are used to identify names and dates.

Scattering of remains is offered in areas where permitted by law. This is an irrevocable act, therefore, thought should be put into the location chosen. Families often choose a place bearing sentiment for the deceased. This location can be anywhere, large or small, inside or out. Some cemeteries offer a location for scattering remains. Many families choose scattering over land or sea where local ordinances permit.

Facts about urns.

Urns are available in may styles and materials, such as wood, bronze or plastic. Prices vary, so please feel free to call us at 1-800-244-6634 to discuss specific urns and their prices. If you choose to bury an urn, there is an urn vault available, which will protect the urn from sub-soil conditions.

What happens after cremation?

Choices for diposition of cremated remains include:

• Scattering in a memorial garden of a cemetery or church, at sea, or over private property, and a host of other personal options, offered by omega funeral services.
• Inurnment in a niche of a columbarium in cemeteries, churches and other locations (If using a private cemetery you may need to purchase a permanent urn)
• Burial in cemeteries (If using a private cemetery you may need to purchase a permanent urn), urn gardens, or at a US national cemetery for veterans and their spouses
• Keep at home in a permanent container. This is often done with consideration for later transport and or burial
• "Keepsakes" are miniature urns or pendants designed to contain a portion of the cremains while the remainder is buried scattered or inurned.

Can all this be pre-planned?

Yes! Planning ahead offers a helpful way to meet specific needs and wants. In addition, it enables decisions to be made without being under great grief and stress. It also gives a great piece of mind. Please feel free to call us at 1-800-244-6634 (in North America) if you should need any additional information.

Why Make arrangements before death?

By tending to the matter yourself you gain peace of mind by knowing your wishes will be carried out according to your instructions, as well as not being a financial burden on others. Prearranging is one of the kindest acts of love you can do for your family because it spares them the burden of making stressful decisions at a time when they may be emotionally unprepared to deal with them. Prearrangements are also the best way to avoid emotional overspending at the time of need, thereby, avoiding the "high cost of dying".

Paid in full membership

Paid in full members are guaranteed OUR Funeral Services at any future date, for payment of today's fees. The member's file is permanently on record and contains all the signed orders and authorizations to be used at the time of death as of January, 2008. The style and form of authorization may change in the future.

OUR Funeral Service members carry a membership/identification card in their wallet or purse. Copies are also made available for clergy, family, physician, neighbor, etc. At time of death, OUR Funeral Service STAFF are notified and immediately arranges transport of the deceased from the place of death. Meanwhile, our staff prepares death documents, secures medical authorities signatures and completes death certificates (locally).

What if death occurs away from home?

Paid in full members of OUR Funeral Services are guaranteed services wherever death occurs in the United States, without hidden costs to arrange transport of the deceased, as well as cremation services. The deceased member's file is sent by fax to our local affiliate organization and cremation is completed there. Disposition of cremated remains is in accordance with prearranged instruction of the deceased.

If disposition is for burial at a National Cemetery for Veterans, OUR Funeral Services staff completes all Veterans Administration paper work on behalf of the deceased's family.

Comparison for Direct Cremation by  OUR Funeral Services

Does the "Direct Cremation" include everything necessary?

• Do the quoted fees include transporting the deceased from the place of death to the service center, and by hearse or service car to the crematory?
• Does the quoted price include delivery of the remains to the service center for family pick up?
• Does the quoted price include a container for the cremated remains?
• Is the alternative container included in the price?
• Is the charge for temporary refrigeration of the deceased included?
• Does the price include all errands and paperwork?

The Answer is  yes to all of the above!