Cremation... Questions and Answers How is cremation different from other funeral services? It isn’t. At least it doesn’t have to be different. The extent and content of a cremation service is entirely subject to the wishes of the family. They may choose as a much formality or as little as they feel they want to have. They also have more options when cremation is chosen. Quite often a memorial service is held after cremation has occurred or perhaps the family will want to gather at a convenient time for the final committal of the cremated remains. Is a casket required? Rosedale requires that the body at least be enclosed and in an acceptably rigid container. This container or casket must be strong enough to assure the protection of health and safety of the operator. It should provide a proper covering for the body and meet reasonable standards of respect and dignity. The body is cremated in the same enclosure in which it arrives at the cemetery. How is cremation accomplished? The enclosed body is placed in the cremation chamber where through heat and evaporation the body is reduced to its basic elements, which are referred to as cremated remains. After preparation, these elements are either placed in a permanent urn or in a temporary container that is suitable for transport. Depending on the size of the body, there are normally three to nine pounds of fragments resulting. Rosedale processes the cremated remains, thereby reducing the space they require. Are more people choosing cremation today? Yes. The subject should certainly be resolved among family members since that determination will have to be made at the time of death. The family then should consult together ahead of time to decide what is best for all. Arrangements for memorialization also should be made at this time. This way one of life’s most difficult decisions need not be made alone at a time of grief and confusion.