Blevins Funeral & Cremation Services Obituaries

What is Cremation, and Why is it Becoming So Popular?

Cremation is a funeral practice that involves reducing the body to its basic elements through high-temperature burning. This process returns the body to its natural state, allowing the spirit to move on while the physical form is transformed into a harmless, organic substance.

In recent years, cremation has become an increasingly popular choice for many reasons. Not only is it a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional burials, but it also offers greater flexibility and personalization in terms of memorialization and final disposition.

The Benefits of Cremation: A Sustainable and Personalized Choice

By choosing cremation, you're not only reducing your carbon footprint but also opening up a world of possibilities for celebrating your loved one's life.

• Environmental Sustainability: Cremation requires significantly less land, resources, and energy compared to traditional burials, making it a more eco-friendly option.
• Personalization: With cremation, you can scatter ashes in a meaningful location, create a customized urn, or even incorporate ashes into a beautiful piece of jewelry or artwork.
• Cost-Effective: Cremation is often more affordable than traditional funerals, allowing you to allocate resources to other meaningful aspects of the memorialization process.
• Flexibility: Cremation gives you the freedom to hold a memorial service, scattering ceremony, or other celebration of life at a time and location that suits you and your loved ones.

The Cremation Process: What to Expect

While the cremation process may seem unfamiliar, it's a carefully managed and dignified procedure that ensures the respectful treatment of your loved one.

Here's an overview of what you can expect:

1. Initial Preparation: The body is prepared for cremation, which may involve washing, dressing, and cosmetic enhancements to restore a natural appearance.
2. Cremation Chamber: The body is placed in a cremation chamber, where it is subjected to high temperatures (typically between 1400°C to 1800°C) for a period of 1-2 hours.
3. Processing: After cremation, the remains are processed into a fine powder, known as cremated remains or ashes.
4. Return of Ashes: The ashes are returned to you in an urn or container, which can be used for scattering, burial, or other forms of memorialization.

Obituaries and Memorialization: Honoring Your Loved One

An obituary is a meaningful way to celebrate your loved one's life, sharing their story, accomplishments, and passions with the world.

At Blevins Funeral & Cremation Services, we offer a range of obituary options, including:

• Traditional Obituaries: Published in local newspapers and online, these obituaries provide a formal notice of your loved one's passing.
• Online Tributes: Create a personalized online memorial, where friends and family can share memories, photos, and condolences.
• Customized Obituary Pages: Design a unique obituary page that reflects your loved one's personality, interests, and accomplishments.

Cremation Services and Options: Finding the Right Fit

At Blevins Funeral & Cremation Services, we understand that every individual is unique, and their farewell should be too.

Our cremation services and options include:

• Direct Cremation: A simple, cost-effective option that involves cremation without a funeral service or viewing.
• Cremation with Memorial Service: Combine cremation with a memorial service, allowing friends and family to gather and celebrate your loved one's life.
• Full-Service Funeral with Cremation: Incorporate cremation into a traditional funeral service, complete with a viewing, ceremony, and final disposition.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cremation and Obituaries

Here are some frequently asked questions about cremation and obituaries:

1. Is cremation a new practice?

No, cremation has been practiced for thousands of years, with evidence of ancient civilizations using this method to honor their dead.

2. Can I still have a funeral service with cremation?

Absolutely! You can combine cremation with a funeral service, memorial service, or other celebration of life.

3. How do I write an obituary?

Our team can guide you through the process, but generally, an obituary should include your loved one's name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography highlighting their accomplishments and passions.

4. Can I scatter ashes in a special location?

Yes, you can scatter ashes in a location that holds meaning to you and your loved one, such as a favorite park, beach, or mountain.

Resources and Community Support: Your Next Steps

At Blevins Funeral & Cremation Services, we're committed to supporting you throughout the cremation and memorialization process.

Here are some additional resources to help you navigate this journey:

• Grief Support Groups: Join a community of individuals who have experienced a similar loss, and find comfort in shared experiences and support.
• Online Memorialization Tools: Create a personalized online memorial, where friends and family can share memories, photos, and condolences.
• Cremation and Funeral Planning Guides: Download our comprehensive guides to cremation and funeral planning, covering everything from cost estimates to memorialization options.