What is Cremation?

Decomposition of the body in the earth (after burial) is the slow oxidation of the body tissues. Cremation, on the other hand, provides rapid oxidation. Cremation is a process in which intense heat is used to transform the body back to its basic elements. The body, enclosed in a container approved for cremation, is placed in a cremation chamber (retort). The soft tissue is vaporized. What remains is not ashes, but bone fragments. This is what is contained in the cremation urn, weighing from three to nine pounds on average.

We engage the service of a local crematory in Jonesboro. Crematories provide the actual cremation with reverence and dignity. Crematories are regulated and inspected by state and federal agencies.

Cremation is just one form of preparing the body for final disposition. Cremation procedures include filling out the death certificate and all other official documents.

Cremation does not take the place of customary funeral services; it's merely another form of final disposition. Funeral services are the way we, the living, share our grief, acknowledge the contributions the deceased has made to our lives, and prepare ourselves for going on with life.

Benefits of Cremation

• Cost - Direct cremation is more affordable than traditional burial.
• Green - Cremation is an earth-friendly way to dispose of remains.
• Time - There is no need to feel rushed to plan services.
• Locations - Memorial services can be held anywhere.
• Choices - There are more products available for personalization.

If the body is cremated,

• Remains can be stored by the family
• You may take the remains in the simple plastic box we provide and distribute ("scatter") them over land or water
• Remains can be placed in a niche within a columbarium.
• Remains can be buried in the ground in a regular plot, in a smaller cremation plot or with existing family members' spaces.
• Remains can be entombed in a crypt within a mausoleum.

Is cremation right for you? People choose cremation for a variety of reasons: philosophical, religious, even environmental. Others make the decision because cremation is simpler and more natural. If you are considering cremation, it's important to know and understand all of the choices available to you. Here you may learn about the many different options for personalized services, memorialization, and products that are available to you when you choose cremation. You can read more about cremation in our Frequently Asked Questions.

Come by our Hoxie office for more information on cremation and to view our wide selection of urns and cremation accessories. We also have several free catalogs of cremation merchandise.