Services

Cemetery

Burial

Most people are familiar with the concept of burial or “internment.” There are many varieties of options available through different cemeteries. Keep in mind that cemeteries owned by cities or towns tend to be less expensive than those that are privately owned. No matter which you choose, cemeteries offer one or more of the following:

• Ground burial – this is the most common choice. The casket is generally placed into a vault, or outer burial chamber, and lowered into the ground. The depth of the bottom of the vault is approximately six feet. Most cemeteries require the vault as a protection for the casket and the cemetery lawn maintenance machines.
• Mausoleum – this is an external free-standing structure, usually a building or wall that provides above-ground entombments.
• Private Family Mausoleum – this is a small structure that provides above-ground entombment of family members.
• Companion Crypt – permits two entombments (usually of urns) side by side.
• Private Family Estate – a small section of a cemetery, usually bordered by gates, shrubbery, or dividers that allow for ground burial of several members of the same family.

Cremation

Many people overlook the importance of cemetery property for those who have chosen cremation. Permanent placement or “final disposition” of the cremated remains (or ashes) is a significant part of the final arrangements. Here are a few thoughts for you to consider:

• A permanent site gives loved ones a physical place for visitation and reflection.
• The ceremony accompanying the placement of an urn provides family and friends with closure after a loss.
• If cremated remains are kept with family members, they may become lost, misplaced, or accidentally disposed of.
• A permanent resting place provides future generations with a location to visit when researching heritage.

Disposition Of Cremated Remains:

Some common methods of burial for cremated remains include:

• Cremation Niche – an above-ground space to accommodate an urn.
• Columbarium – This is often found within a mausoleum or chapel and constructed of numerous niches designed to hold urns.
• Cremation Garden – This is a dedicated section of a cemetery designed for the burial, scattering, or other permanent placement of cremated remains.
• Memorial Bench – This can be a bench that simply memorializes the place where the cremated remains are scattered or may actually contain the ashes.

Headstones

The most common type of permanent memorial to a loved one is a marker. This is a headstone that is flat against the ground. Some cemeteries will allow an upright headstone called a monument. Another option is a bench over the final resting site, allowing family members to visit and remember. There are cemeteries that only allow markers to preserve the natural appearance of the landscape.