When a loved one passes away the family is often left with the difficult decision of burial or cremation. Funeral directors are able to provide you with specific information about cremation services in Arizona as well as answer any questions you may have about the process. As many people are misinformed about cremation, here are some common questions and answers to help you decide if Arizona cremation services are the right choice.
How is Cremation Different than Burial?
Cremation is not the same as a burial, but rather an alternative way to process the body. Instead of the body being embalmed or prepared without embalming and placed in a casket for burial, the body is exposed, in a cremation chamber, to very high temperature and flames. This process breaks down the body and reduces it to fragments of bone.
These fragments are processed, placed in an urn and provided to the family to be on display after cremation services in Arizona. They can also be scattered or buried or kept within a decorative urn with the family.
Is the Entire Body Returned Once Cremated?
During the processes, which will typically last just a few hours for most adult bodies, the organic matter of the body is broken down. Smaller bones will reduce to ash and larger bones will break into smaller particles. These bone fragments are allowed to cool and then specially processed to produce a uniform, sandy textured ash.
Metal elements in the body such as fillings, metal objects on clothing, or medical devices are removed from the ashes by the staff.
How are the Ashes Stored by Arizona Cremation Services?
The processed ashes are stored in a permanent urn of the family's choice. This urn will be included as part of the cremation costs in Arizona. Most funeral homes will have a large selection of various types of urns, some which are designed for long term storage and display of the urn while others are used only for the Arizona cremation services.
How Much do Urns Cost?
Your funeral director will provide you with written pricing information on the various urns available. Arizona cremation costs will vary based on the type of urn selected from the very ornate cloisonné styles to a simple hardwood urn.
For those that are planning to scatter the ashes as part of the Arizona cremation services a temporary urn can also be provided. These can be plastic or cardboard and are not meant for long term storage.
If you are traveling with the ashes after cremation services in Arizona it is important to talk to the funeral director. He or she can advise you on potential issues with bringing urns and human remains on airplanes. You can also contact the airline directly.
Can I Keep the Ashes at Home?
Many people choose keep the ashes of loved ones at their home. This is completely legal in the state of Arizona. Cremation services can be provided prior to the funeral service and the urn displayed at the service and then taken home.
Can I Scatter the Ashes Anywhere In Arizona?
After Arizona cremation services the family will take possession of the ashes for final disposition of the remains. Often ashes are scattered in a favorite spot or location for the deceased, which may be on their own property or on public property. While it is always important to talk to the professional providing your Arizona cremation services about specifics, in general it is allowable and legal to scatter ashes almost anywhere, including national and state parks, waterways and public areas.
There are also some cemeteries that have a set aside a place for ashes to be scattered. This is often in a beautiful garden area or a designated green zone. Other options include placing the urn in a columbarium, which provides a sealed niche for the urn to be stored permanently.
What Are Cremation Costs in Arizona?
There are several different factors that will affect cremation costs in Arizona, as in any state. Remember that cremation is only one part of the funeral service, and there will be other factors to consider that will impact the cost.
Cremation services in Arizona are offered as part of funeral packages through the best funeral homes. These funeral homes will provide you with a complete list of all the Arizona cremation costs as well as the costs of the other elements of the funeral. They can also work with you to ensure that all details of the funeral, including the cremation, are arranged to your satisfaction.
Cremation services in Arizona are an alternative option to a traditional burial. Our staff is available to talk to you about this option, answer any questions you may have about cremation costs in Arizona, and discuss specifics of the process. We understand that this is a difficult time for you, and being informed is one way to make it easier.