Aspen Funeral Alternatives

Cremations

Where does cremation take place?

All of our cremations take place at Sunset Memorial Crematory, which upholds the highest standards of cleanliness and utilizes the newest technology. We handle every cremation in a sensitive and caring way. Family and friends have the option of being present during the cremation.

Who owns the crematory?

We do. Other funeral homes often subcontract this important service to a third party crematory. You can rest assured that someone from our staff is with your family member every step of the way. Your family can also be present at cremation if you desire.

What is required to cremate a deceased?

There are three basic requirements that must be met before cremation takes place. The attending physician of the deceased has to sign the death certificate. This is done after the funeral director has met with the family and has received from the family the necessary information for the completion of the death certificate.

The Office of the Medical Examiner will review the signed death certificate. If everything is in order, a cremation permit will be issued.

The Next of Kin to the deceased needs to sign a cremation authorization sheet. A person can also pre-authorize their own cremation – forms are available upon request.

What happens during the cremation process?

Once cremation is chosen, the body of the deceased is refrigerated after the first 24-hours until cremation takes place, unless the body is embalmed.

The body is placed in a cremation casket or rigid cremation container, depending on individual preference. The casket or container is consumed during cremation.

During cremation, the body is subjected to intense heat from a gas flame (approximately 1600-2000 degrees F) until it has been almost totally consumed (usually about 1-2 hours).

The remains, referred to as cremated remains (not ashes), are removed from the chamber. They consist of bone fragments that are mechanically reduced to the texture of coarse sand and usually weigh 6 to 8 pounds. They will fit into a container about the size of a shoebox.

Following processing, the cremated remains are placed into a memorial urn.

Can I still view the body if I chose cremation?

Yes, viewing is always your option. You can chose to have either a public viewing or a private family viewing before cremation takes place.

What can I do with the cremated remains after cremation?

You have a number of choices available. You may place the cremated remains in a burial spot or a niche (that is designed to hold cremated remains) at a cemetery. If scattering is something you desire, we have special scattering gardens that allow you to scatter the cremated remains of your loved one and still have a permanent place to memorialize them with dignity and respect.

Some people want to keep the cremated remains at home, and others want to scatter the cremated remains in a special area. This is certainly your right to do – however, studies have shown that this often prolongs the grief process. It is recommended that you have a permanent place of disposition (final resting place).

What types of services are available with cremation?

If cremation is preferred, there are several service options available:

Cremation following a traditional service, which may include a viewing.