Cremation Services

Choosing a Funeral

Traditional Service

Cremation Services

DVD Tributes and
Other Services

Questions and Answers

The subject of cremation is a tricky one because so many people misunderstand the subject or are misinformed about it. Cremation is simply a means of disposal. It does not replace a traditional service. In many cases, it precludes having to go to the cemetery as cremains (the ashes) are usually kept by the family or disposed of personally. If cremation fulfills the wishes of the deceased and the family, we are more than happy to help lead people through this.

However, there are a few points that we would like to make. At Jewell-Rittman, we have the needs and interests of the families at the forefront of our concerns. Part of fulfilling that mandate is to keep people informed about choices and the consequences of those choices.

We would strongly suggest having a visitation prior to the cremation. Visitation is one of the most important aspects of beginning the grieving process, a way to initiate realization and healing. Therefore, visitation can be very important. Of course, services without a body or a reception of friends are possible as well.

The means by which people dispose of ashes can differ. Some people think that they only way to deal with cremains is to scatter them. This is not true. Scattering ashes may give the living the feeling that something is incomplete because they lack a place to go to reflect and pay homage when they want to remember their loved one. Most often, we advise families to go ahead with the graveside service and bury the ashes, entomb them or keep them.

We have a wide selection of urns to choose from should a family chose to keep the ashes. We have standard urns, cremains containers and individualized commemorative urns. In addition, we have long-standing and good relationships with companies where ordering can be done through catalogues should a family not find what they want among our selection.