Cremation Services

Cremation & Funerals

Cremation, the practice of reducing the body to its essential elements by burning, can be traced to the Ancient Greeks who viewed cremation as the only virtuous and fitting conclusion to life. Today, as the shortage of cemetery space becomes more acute, cremation is experiencing a revival. More and more environmentally conscious people are looking to cremation as a means of easing the country's growing demand for space.

Contrary to what some people believe, Cremation does not limit choices, but, in fact, increases one's options. It is a process that is performed in a respectful and dignified manner and can be memorialized in many ways. Choosing cremation neither eliminates nor requires a funeral service. Traditional or contemporary services are often planned before or after the cremation process. A funeral service followed by cremation may be exactly the same as a funeral service followed by ground burial. They can be elaborate or simple and traditional or nontraditional. Arrangements and ceremonies tend to be as individual as the persons for whom and by whom they are made. They may be personalized specifically to reflect the life of the deceased, and thus have a special meaning. Ramsey Funeral Home is able to assist in any and all of your Funeral Service needs.

The Complete Cremation Service will be just like a Complete Funeral Service, except cremation will follow instead of the casketed burial. This can be accommodated by the use of a cremation casket (a casket that is designed to be cremated) or the use of a rental casket. Following the viewing, service or ceremony, and eventual cremation, the cremated remains can be buried, properly scattered, or returned to the family for safekeeping. Urns are used to hold the cremated remains. Urns can be constructed out of basic and precious metals, ceramics, woods and biodegradable materials.

The Immediate Cremation Service can be arranged as an immediate disposition of the body, but is most times followed by a memorial service at the church, funeral home or other location. A Memorial Service is one where the body is not present. We recommend that if you select an immediate cremation, you are allowed a time, if possible, to privately view the body as a family. If the viewing can be done in a matter of a few hours after the death, then embalming will not be necessary. If there is to be a long delay (more than 8-12 hours) then embalming would be encouraged. If the viewing cannot be done within 48 hours, then embalming may be required. Viewing of the deceased is a very important step in acknowledging that the death has occurred. Having some type of service or ceremony is also a key ingredient to a healthy recovery from a loss due to a death.

A Direct Cremation refers to a cremation being provided, while limiting funeral services to the removal and transportation of the deceased into our care.

Decisions Made Early counseling and pre-arrangement services are available for those who are concerned with preserving the earth, so that they can plan ahead and have their final wishes respected. Our counselors are concerned with assisting families with service that is both compassionate and dignified.

Traditional Funeral Service Followed by Cremation

Many families find meaning and beauty in a traditional funeral service. With a traditional service combined with cremation, you can still choose to have a final viewing, visitation or wake, and a funeral service. However, instead of an in-ground burial, the funeral will be followed by cremation. Depending on your wishes, the cremated remains may be either returned to your family for storage in an urn, scattered, or interred in a columbarium. This option will include fees for the funeral services as well as the fees associated with the cremation itself.

Memorial Service

The memorial service can be held in our chapel, a church, or any other venue the family chooses. We work with our families to design a service that honors their loved one with stories, music, or scripture. We also have life celebrants who lead services where clergy may not be chosen. Our celebrants are trained in creating experiences that help start the healing process.

Graveside

Graveside services following cremation offer a meaningful way to honor your loved one with a final act of remembrance. This intimate gathering at the burial site of the urn provides a quiet moment for family and friends to reflect, share memories, and say goodbye in a peaceful setting. Whether simple or ceremonial, it’s a heartfelt way to bring closure and lay your loved one to rest with dignity.