What stands the test of time is the people are still honoring and celebrating a loved one’s life. When it comes time to say goodbye, one of the biggest decisions to make is choosing between cremation and burial. Anyone can make this decision for themselves in advance in their will, but otherwise, their family will have the opportunity to decide what is right for them.
“Every family has their own choice and their own right and their own belief system,” says Drew Kent, co-owner and funeral director at Croxford Funeral Home & Crematory in Great Falls. “I think it’s so important that everyone has the closure they need.”
1. The Cremation Options
There are three major options, Kent says. The first is a basic or direct cremation that takes care of the cremation, all the legal paperwork, and help with the production and publishing of the obituary, and filing death certificates — but it does not include any funeral services. The second option is the same as the first but also includes a memorial service at a funeral home or any other facility of the family's choice. The third option is known as a traditional cremation, which offers a traditional service with a public viewing and/or service gathering, followed by a cremation.
That third option offers the “best of both worlds,” Kent says, and offers the most flexibility. For many families, seeing their beloved one last time is important for achieving closure, so a public viewing before the cremation offers that opportunity.
2. Common Misconceptions about Cremation
A common misconception about cremation is that it occurs immediately. “That just isn’t the case,” Kent says. “We want to take as much time as the family needs to plan that perfect service.”
Another misconception is that people think there is a cost associated with viewing a loved one. Kent says that the funeral home would never charge you to spend time with your loved one and you can take as much time as you need.
3. How to Choose Between Cremation and Burial
Some families blend the cremation and burial options by burying cremated remains. Over time, Kent and his team have seen that cremation is the more used disposition overall, but ultimately, no one option is better than the other. The most important thing is deciding what feels right for your family and what feels like the best way to honor your deceased loved one.
“The most important thing to us is we want everyone to get the closure and the care they need,” Kent says. “We will accommodate anything you want us to do. We will go out of our way to make sure you get the closure you need and the time you need with your loved one whether we are doing a cremation or a burial.”
Croxford Funeral Home & Crematory creates personalized services to best honor your loved ones. Their staff members are the leading funeral experts in the Great Falls area. For more information, call (406) 453-0315 or visit CroxfordFuneralHome.com.
Our Location
1307 Central Ave
Great Falls, MT 59401
406-453-0315
https://www.croxfordfuneralhome.com/
