Category Archives: Cremation Service

Benefits of Cremation Services

When deciding on the kind of services that you want for a loved one who has passed away, it can take some time and consideration. Lots of people opt for cremation services because of the number of benefits that this option can offer. There are some major benefits that you can expect, but there are also some unexpected benefits that you may not be sure about. Here are some of the ones that providers of cremation services in Roy, WA want you to remember as you decide.

Cremation is affordable. Out of all of the funerary options out there, direct cremation is the option that is most affordable. This is because you do not have to pay for a casket, a plot in a cemetery, embalming fees, and many other things that you would have to pay if you chose burial. Even if you decide to go with a full cremation, which is a bit more costly, it usually tends to still be less than a traditional burial. For people working with a limited budget, this is crucial.

Another benefit that cremation can offer is green options. If your loved one was someone who was concerned about their impact on the planet and you want to be sure that you honor those concerns, you want to choose funerary services that are green. With cremation, this can be easier to do, since you do not have to turn to embalming chemicals or to caskets that can have metal parts which remain in the earth. The greenest option you can choose is bio cremation, which is done with water instead of with heat. This reduces the carbon that is released into the air. Do remember that not all providers can offer this option because it requires special facilities, so ask before making a decision.

You also want to remember cremation offers flexibility. With a burial, you have to rush to make arrangements for the funeral or memorial service, but that is not the case with cremation. You can have the cremation done and then you can start planning the service on your own time. This can be a huge help for people who are struggling with the loss and who do not need the added stress. Cremation also makes it possible to have the service wherever you prefer. You can easily transport the urn, so there is no need to feel limited by the location.

When deciding on the kind of funerary services you want for a loved one, you do want to take some time to consider all of the options and the different benefits that each one offers. If you are looking for an option that is affordable and green, or if you want lots of flexibility in the arrangements you make, cremation can be the right choice. You can learn more about this by contacting a Roy, WA cremation services provider like us. We are here to help with any concerns you may have so that you can make the best possible choice for your loved one. You can visit us to speak with an expert or you can call us today.

What to Know About Services

One of the best things you can do after the death of a loved one is attend their funeral or memorial service. This can allow you to say goodbye to the person and to also make it easier to get closure after the loss. If you have never been to a funeral or memorial service before, you may not be sure what to expect when you attend. Here are some etiquette tips that providers of cremation services in Eatonville, WA want you to remember.

One of the concerns most people have is about what they should wear to a service. That can be a crucial thing to consider because you do not want to offend anyone by wearing something inappropriate. Most of the time, you want to stick with dark colors. Black is always acceptable, but you can also wear blue and dark greens. You want to avoid anything too bright, and you also want to avoid anything causal or revealing. If you would feel comfortable wearing the outfit to a place of worship, you can wear it to a service.

Another thing that you want to remember is that you want to get to the service on time. It can be very distracting to have someone arrive at the surface late you need to not want to bother anyone who is there grieving a loved one. If you are someone who has a tendency to be late, do your best to get there on time. Sometimes, however, it is impossible to get their own time. If that happens, you should take a seat at the back of the room so that you do not bother anyone.

You want to also silence your phone and other devices before the service starts. The last thing that anyone wants to hear in the middle of a service is a ringing phone. If your phone still makes a lot of noise on silent, you may want to think about turning it off completely. It could be a sign of respect for everyone who is grieving.

It is customary to greet the family of the deceased and to offer them your condolences. Do keep in mind that they will be dealing with a lot of emotions and that they will be exhausted from making the necessary arrangements for their loved one. Do not take up too much of their time. Give them your condolences and let them move on to the next person.

These are some important things you want to remember when getting ready to attend the service for a loved one. It is essential that you consider all of these things so that you do not offend anyone and so that you do not struggle with attending the service yourself. If you want to know more about all of this, you can reach out to a Eatonville, WA cremation services provider like us. Our team is here to make sure you can get the answers you need for the questions you have. You can give us a call now or you can visit us today.

Talking and Listening to a Grieving Person

While you should never force someone to open up, it is important to let your bereaved friend or loved one know that you are available to listen if they wish to discuss their loss. Discuss the deceased person candidly, and don’t avoid the subject if the deceased’s name comes up; and, when it seems appropriate, ask sensitive questions that invite the grieving person to openly express their feelings without being nosy. Simply asking if they want to talk lets your loved one know that you’re willing to listen. Look into the cremation services in Lakewood, WA for more information.

You can also help the bereaved by doing the following.

Show Your Concern

You may say that you are sorry to hear that this happened.

Recognize the Situation

You could, for example, say something as simple as you heard that the father of the bereaved died. By saying those words, you will demonstrate that you are more willing to discuss how the grieving person truly feels.

Communicate With Sincerity

Don’t try to minimize their loss by offering simplistic solutions or unsolicited advice. It is far better to simply listen to your loved one or to humbly express that you are not sure what to say, but you want the bereaved to know that you care.

Inquire About Your Loved One’s Feelings

Because grief emotions can change quickly, don’t assume you know how the bereaved person feels at any given time. If you’ve experienced a similar loss, please share your story if you think it will help others; but keep in mind that grief is a highly personal experience. Because no two people have the same experience, don’t claim to know what the person is feeling or compare your grief to theirs. Put the emphasis back on listening, and ask your loved one how they’re feeling.

Accept Your Loved One’s Emotions

Allow the person who is bereaved to cry, become angry, or break down in front of you. Don’t argue with them about how they should or should not feel. Grief is an intensely emotional experience, so the bereaved must feel free to express their emotions, no matter how irrational, without fear of being judged, argued against, or criticized.

Allow the Bereaved to Discuss How Their Loved One Died

Grieving people may need to tell their story over and over again, sometimes in minute detail. Please be patient. Retelling the story is a way of dealing with and accepting death. The pain lessens with each retelling. You are assisting your loved one in healing by listening patiently and compassionately.

Be Prepared to Sit in Silence

If the person in mourning does not want to talk, do not press. Often, simply being in your company brings them comfort. If you can’t think of anything to say, simply make eye contact, squeeze their hand, or give them a reassuring hug.

Offer your assistance. Inquire about what you can do to assist the bereaved person. Offer to assist with a specific task, such as funeral arrangements, or simply be available to hang out with or as a shoulder to cry on. The cremation services in Lakewood, WA are available to provide you with additional information. We understand how difficult it is to be in this situation. Please do not hesitate to contact us or visit our office.

Being a Pallbearer

Being asked to be a pallbearer at the funeral of a loved one can be a great honor, so it’s important to understand what’s involved and the responsibilities that come with the role. If you are planning a funeral, you may want to select family members or close friends to serve as pallbearers, though you may prefer to request that your funeral director provide their own if they can do so. To learn more, look into the cremation services in Roy, WA.

Responsibilities of a Pallbearer

A pallbearer is responsible for transporting the deceased’s coffin or casket from the hearse to its final resting place, depending on whether the service is cremation or burial.

At a cremation service, pallbearers transport the coffin or casket from the hearse into the crematorium, carefully placing it on a stand known as a catafalque. Typically, four pallbearers are required, though six may be necessary depending on the weight of the coffin.

A service at a crematorium chapel or other place of worship is frequently included in a burial. In this case, the coffin or casket will be carried into the chapel and placed at the front on wooden trestles. Pallbearers will carry the coffin out of the chapel and carefully place it back into the hearse before proceeding to the burial site after the service.

Pallbearers will carry the coffin to the grave, place it on wooden struts, and thread lowering straps through the coffin’s handles. When the command is given, the straps lift the coffin, allowing the wooden struts to be removed, and it is then lowered into the grave.

What to Expect if You Have Been Appointed as a Pallbearer

Accepting the role of pallbearer at someone’s funeral can be a frightening experience. No one wants to be asked to carry a loved one’s coffin or casket, but being asked to be a pallbearer can be a great honor, and it may mean a lot to the bereaved to see their loved one’s closest family members and friends carrying the coffin.

If you accept the role, you will be expected to help carry the coffin; this may only be for a short time if wheel bikers are used. You may be asked to carry the coffin, but only at the request of the family and if it is safe to do so. If any of the pallbearers are unable to carry the coffin, it will be carried at waist height or placed on wheel bikers.

If you have been asked to be a pallbearer, you should arrive at the funeral a little early. This will allow the funeral director to give you instructions on how to carry the coffin and where to transport it.

Depending on your family’s preferences and whether any family members or close friends are available or willing to take on the role, you may request that your funeral director provide their pallbearers. Each of our funeral directors providing cremation services in Roy, WA will make certain that there are enough pallbearers available for your loved one’s funeral, if you require them.

A Guide for the Funeral Reception

When people lose a loved one, their worlds are shattered. It takes effort just to get through the day, let alone plan a funeral reception. As a result, the cremation services in Eatonville, WA have put together your best guide to surviving the funeral reception. This way, whether you’re attending as a guest or planning the majority of the event, everything you need to know is in one place. Continue reading for helpful information and other coping strategies.

What Exactly Is a Funeral Reception

A funeral reception, distinct from a memorial service, is a special event for family members and friends to honor the deceased without a formalized structure. The gathering following a funeral usually includes food and drinks and serves as a place to express condolences to the family. This is also referred to as a repast.

While a reception following a funeral is not required, it serves as an event to help people grieve. Given all of the preparation, hosting one may appear overwhelming.

There are invitations, set-up, cleanup, and other logistics to consider. But that’s why we have close friends and family. It is acceptable to seek assistance when necessary.

What Must Be Done to Prepare for the Reception

For different people, hosting a funeral reception will look different. Various cultures, religions, budgets, and other factors will determine how and when a memorial gathering will take place, as well as who will attend. However, there are some similarities in planning a funeral reception.

It is best to think about the following.

Who are you going to invite?

Consider how you want to commemorate your deceased loved one with friends and family. Frequently, the host will send invitations to everyone who attended the memorial service. Sometimes the host prefers a more intimate setting with just a few close friends and family.

What are your food plans for the funeral reception?

After you’ve determined your budget and the number of guests you intend to invite, it’s time to think about how you’ll feed them. There is no correct or incorrect method. However, because food is an important part of the funeral reception, having a plan is essential.

Where will the funeral reception take place?

When planning a post-funeral reception, it’s critical to start thinking about location early on, especially if you need to reserve a space ahead of time.

What date and time will the reception be held?

A hard start and stop time are ideal for funeral receptions. Overstaying guests can be exhausting, so setting an end time can help. A typical gathering following a memorial service lasts a couple of hours. There are, however, no hard and fast rules, and you should plan for what is best for you and your family. You should be considerate of anyone visiting from out of town. If you choose to hold the reception on a different day than the service, travelers may find it difficult to plan ahead of time, especially if the gathering is during the week.

Whether you are hosting or attending a funeral reception, it is helpful to have a resource to help you get through the day. Remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve and that you should take time for yourself during the service and reception. If you require assistance, please contact the cremation services in Eatonville, WA. You can also call us right now.

Do-It-Yourself Gifts to Bring to a Life Celebration

Your handmade gifts are heartfelt. They indicate that you put in the time and effort to create something meaningful for the bereaved family and friends. The cremation services in Lakewood, WA are available to provide a few simple options for those in mourning.

Photographs of the Deceased

Spend some time searching your photo albums and your phone for photos of the deceased. Make several copies and buy a photo album and frame. Then, find some lovely wrapping paper and adorn it with a simple ribbon.

You can share photos and stories with all of your friends and family at the service. Following that, the family can select the best picture to go in the frame.

A Journal and a Pen

Look for a lovely journal to give to the deceased’s family. Fill in the first few pages of the journal with one or two stories.

Choose ones that are amusing or heartwarming. Bring a pen to the party, and then pass the journal around so guests can fill it out. At the end of the event, you’ll have a spectacular gift to give to the surviving family members.

Handwritten Letter on Stationery

Spend some time writing a sympathy message on lovely stationery for the family. Write about your relationship, the times you’ve spent together, the moments or words you’ve shared, and, most importantly, the significance of their death.

Letters like this should not elicit a single emotion. If you have the ability, walk the family through the ups and downs, but most importantly, end the note with a sense of hope. The loss is significant enough; people must also have faith and courage.

Traditional Cream Cheese Mints

The origin of the infamous cream cheese mint is unknown, but it can be found on tables across the United States during family gatherings. If you’ve ever picked up one of these pastel-colored leaves or roses, you’re familiar with their smooth, creamy goodness.

If you ate them as a child or later, you’re aware of how they evoke family, comfort, and love. Make your cream cheese mints with a flexible mold.

Recipes

Family recipes have become less popular since the advent of online recipe-sharing and cooking blogs. So, go through your recipe collection and find the perfect one, then copy it onto a new card. However, don’t stop there. Make the food so that everyone in the family can sample this heirloom gift.

Confirmation of a Charitable Contribution

Donating in someone’s name is a lovely way to honor someone while also helping a worthy nonprofit.

Remember, it’s impolite to reveal the amount of the donation. A confirmation of the donation, on the other hand, can be printed without the dollar amount. Tuck the printout inside the envelope before sealing the card’s envelope.

Life celebrations bring people together to love, laugh, and cry with family and friends. Whether formal or informal, you can find ways to remember all of those wonderful moments and days together. After attending, hopefully, you’ve picked up some new stories that will help you deal with your grief. If you need more information on the celebration of life services, please contact the cremation services in Lakewood, WA, or come and see us.

Things You Need to Know About Water Cremation

Water cremation is a method of disposal that combines an alkaline solution of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide with pressurized, high-temperature water. Consider looking into the cremation services in Roy, WA to learn more.

What Exactly Is Water Cremation

Water cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, bio cremation, resomation, flameless cremation, aquamation, or hydration, is a method of disposing of human and animal remains that uses water and alkali salts. The procedure is an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional options such as burial or fire cremation.

It is important to note that alkali salts are only used to accelerate the natural decomposition of water. It is the water that does the cremating, not the alkali. Temperatures inside the water cremation chamber can reach 200 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, compared to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit for flame cremation.

What Are the Origins of Water Cremation

Water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis began as a method for farmers to convert animal carcasses into plant food. Amos Herbert Hobson of Middlesex, England, patented the process in 1888. The Mayo Clinic installed the first commercial alkaline hydrolysis installation for the disposal of bodies donated to science. It is still in use today.

Alkaline hydrolysis was used to dispose of cows infected with mad cow disease in the 1990s. It became a popular method of disposition for both human and animal remains in the 2000s.

Is Water Cremation Environmentally Friendly

Water cremation emits no pollutants and does not pollute waterways or ground soil with mercury or other dangerous pathogens.

Why Should You Choose Water Cremation Over Fire Cremation

Water cremation may be preferred over fire cremation for a variety of reasons. Water cremation is far more environmentally friendly, uses far less fuel, and has a lower overall carbon footprint.

Water cremation produces pure, brilliant, and white ashes, as opposed to the sandy, more granular ashes produced by flame cremation. Water cremation also produces 33 percent more ashes than flame cremation, implying that you will receive more of your loved one after the process.

How Long Does It Take to Cremate With Water

The water cremation process usually takes four to eight hours for humans, but it can take up to 18 hours for animals, depending on the size of the body and the temperature of the solution. The entire process can take up to two weeks from pickup to return of ashes.

What Transpires to the Liquid Following a Water Cremation

Following the completion of the water cremation process, the remaining bone matter is washed clean, and the effluent or the remaining liquid can be used as a nutrient solution for plants or returned to the ecosystem via your local wastewater treatment facility. The solution is completely sterile and comprised of amino acids, salts, nutrients, and sugars, the natural byproducts of decomposition.

What Should I Do With the Cremated Remains

The process is complete once you have received the ashes. You can scatter them, keep them in an urn, or divide them among relatives. Whatever you choose, you can be certain that you said goodbye to your loved one in the most environmentally friendly way possible.

If you are thinking about water cremation for yourself or a loved one, please look into the cremation services in Roy, WA and contact us or come and see us. Our team is more than happy to help you with anything you need to know.

Ways to Remember a Baby Who Has Died

Losing a child can cause significant and long-term grief. Bereaved parents can honor their baby’s memory in a variety of ways, including creating a website in their honor or commemorating their baby’s birthday or due date every year. Some parents plant trees or make garden sculptures, while others get a baby loss tattoo with their child’s name, footprints, or another meaningful symbol. The cremation services in Eatonville, WA have compiled a list of suggestions for remembering a baby who died during pregnancy or infancy.

No matter when or how a baby dies, the grief can be profound and long-lasting. Instead of remembering your time together, you’re left with fantasies about what could have been. One thing that can help you cope with your grief is to honor a baby you’ve lost. Here are some ideas for remembering a baby who died during pregnancy or infancy.

Keep Physical Mementos of Your Baby

Not all parents receive pictures, footprints, or other remembrances of their deceased baby, but having a tangible memento to hold and look at can be extremely comforting.

Both engraved holiday ornaments and framed quotes make excellent keepsakes. You’ll discover something special that speaks to you.

Wear Something That Reminds You of Your Baby

Some bereaved parents find solace in carrying a memento of their child with them wherever they go. Some parents wear a locket or other piece of jewelry with their child’s name, birthstone, or strand of hair. Others get a baby loss tattoo that includes their child’s name, footprints, or another special symbol that means something to them.

Celebrate Birthdays

Birthdays, as well as due dates or miscarriage dates, can serve as a painful reminder of your loss. You can try to cope with your pain by doing something memorable or special that will help you find peace. In your baby’s honor, you could plant a tree or flower in your yard, make a financial donation, or drop off toys at a nearby children’s charity or hospital.

On their child’s birthday, some moms release balloons, while others share a birthday cake with their partner and sang the birthday song to their child. These are difficult times, but they can become meaningful and beautiful memories in time.

Make a Website or a Blog

Create a website or blog in your child’s honor to keep their memory alive. You could include journal entries, hospital photos, a playlist of songs that remind you of your baby, or links to advocacy groups that support legislation on stillbirth research, maternal health, and parental rights.

If you don’t want to or aren’t sure how to create your page, some websites will provide you with a template for creating a memorial website with your photos, videos, and text. Then, on the page, you can invite family and friends to share their memories with you.

Establish a Foundation or a Fundraiser

Hosting a charity event or establishing a foundation is one way to honor your baby’s life while also assisting other families. You could donate the funds raised to a local hospital or another organization that helped your family during their loss. You could also donate them to charities.

Are you considering ways to honor your child? The cremation services in Eatonville, WA are here to assist you in any way we can. Visit our office or call us today. We are more than willing to help you get through this difficult time.

Cremated Remains Shipping

There will be times when mailing cremated remains of a loved one is necessary. Shipping human ashes to another location, even internationally, can be a quick and inexpensive way to honor the deceased’s final wishes. Because immediate family members usually receive their loved one’s cremains, it’s useful to know what options there are for mailing them elsewhere. The cremation services in Lakewood, WA can assist you with this.

The rules and regulations for flying with cremated ashes can be a source of additional stress during this trying time. Shipping cremated remains via United States Postal Service can be a safe, cost-effective, and stress-free way to send a loved one’s ashes to other family members. If your loved one chose to be buried somewhere other than where they died, it may be necessary to choose cremation over shipping a body, especially since casket transport and flight costs for the deceased can be very expensive. Other times, cremated remains must be mailed for the ashes to be incorporated into jewelry or works of art.

What Is the Best Way to Ship Ashes

The United States Postal Service has specific instructions for preparing a package containing ashes, whether you are sending the cremated remains of a loved one or a pet. These rules and regulations are in place to protect your valuable package while it is in transit. When shipping cremated remains, three components must be present, such as a sift-proof inner container, cushioning material, and an outer shipping package.

Inner Main Container

The ashes must be safe and contained in transit. To prevent any loose power from leaking out, the innermost container must be sift-proof. From a simple wooden box to an ornate funeral urn, the inner packaging can be decorative or plain as long as it is strong, durable, sift-proof, properly sealed, and designed to protect its contents.

The inner container must be sealed and sift-proof for international shipments. For added security, USPS recommends placing the sift-proof container in a sealed and labeled plastic bag. If the shipping label becomes detached from the outer container, your loved one’s cremated ashes can be identified.

Material for Cushioning

Once the cremated ashes have been sealed in a sift-proof inner container and labeled, you must ensure that they are protected from any shock or impact during transit. Wrap the inner container in bubble wrap, foam peanuts, or an air pillow to keep it from shifting inside the package. It’s critical to leave enough space to secure the top, bottom, and sides for maximum protection.

Outer Shipping Container

The outer package for both domestic and international shipping can be USPS-produced or customer-supplied as long as it is strong and durable enough to withstand handling during transport. The postal service provides a specific priority mail express cremated remains box for convenience, which can be ordered online as part of a kit and is included in the cost of the service. For added security, include a slip of paper with the sender’s and recipient’s addresses and contact information on it.

When a family member assumes responsibility for shipping a loved one’s cremated remains, they can rely on the cremation services in Lakewood, WA to assist them. You can contact us right away or come and see us.

An Alternative to Cremation and Burial by Fire

Aquamation is a method of final disposition that can be used for both human and animal loved ones. Alkaline hydrolysis is the scientific term for this water-based process. It is the same process that occurs naturally when a body is laid to rest in the soil. A combination of gentle water flow, temperature, and alkalinity is used to accelerate the breakdown of organic materials. The cremation services in Roy, WA are available for discussion if you want to learn more about the process.

What Occurs

The aquamation procedure is carried out following any viewing or visitation services requested by the family. When the procedure is complete, the individual body is respectfully placed in a stainless steel vessel. Based on individual characteristics such as weight, sex, and embalming status, alkali is added to the process, and the vessel fills with water. The solution is heated and gently circulated throughout the process.

At the end of the process, all material has been reduced to its simplest building blocks; no DNA or RNA remains. The sterile process water is recycled, and the vessel rinses the equipment and remains with fresh water. Only the inorganic bone minerals remain after the operator opens the door. These minerals are powdered and returned to the family in an urn. This final processing step is the same as that used for flame cremation. When a loved one’s remains are returned to the family, many families gather for the celebration of life.

Are the Ashes Different From Those Obtained Through Flame Cremation

The mineral remains from the bone, along with some ash from the cremation box or casket, clothing, and anything else that may have been placed in the process with the body, make up the ashes from a flame cremation. As there are no other materials in the ash, the ashes from the aquamation are only the mineral remains from the bone.

The carbon discoloration from burning causes the ash from a flame process to be gray in color. Ash from aquamation can range in color from white to tan. Both processes can result in slight color variations from person to person. The ash’s consistency varies as well. Flame cremation ash is described as chippy bone fragments. Aquamation ash is a homogeneous or consistent powder. With aquamation, the family receives 20 to 30 percent more ash remains.

What Exactly Is the Science Behind the Procedure

The water, not the alkali, performs the breakdown during the aquamation process, which is a commonly misunderstood fact. Any reaction in which bonds are cleaved by the insertion of water molecules is referred to as a hydrolysis reaction. A base is added to water to create an alkaline environment in alkaline hydrolysis. The water molecules’ behavior changes, causing them to dissociate into hydrogen and hydroxide ions. The solution contains only five percent alkali and 95 percent water. The physical characteristics of the system, the continuous flow of the solution, and the heat are all equally important to the process. All of this has to do with collision theory and the rate and completeness of a reaction.

The environmental impact is not limited to energy. To get a complete picture of the impact of our funeral technologies on our planet, a cradle-to-grave approach must be taken. Life cycle assessments are used by scientists to assess the overall impact. When all impact categories were considered, aquamation had the lowest environmental impact of any other body care option. If you have any questions, please contact the cremation services in Roy, WA, or come and see us.

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