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Frequently Asked Questions

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(Please use the "contact us" button on the bottom of the home page, if you have further questions.)

  1. May I witness the Cremation ?
  2. What type of Urn do I need ?
  3. What if my spouse prefers cremation ?
  4. Is it true that cremation is less expensive ?
  5. How can I be sure my wishes are followed ?
  6. Can I make all of the necessary arrangements in advance ?
  7. Is embalming required ?
  8. Is a casket necessary for cremation ?
  9. Can we witness the cremation ?
  10. Can I be cremated if I am Catholic ?
  11. What are the legal requirements for cremation in Ohio ?
  12. What can be done with the cremated remains ?
  13. How long does the cremation process take ?
  14. What do I do with the cremated remains ?


 

May I witness the Cremation ?

Yes, if you wish. You may witness the placing of the casket or container in the cremation chamber. You may even start the cremation process itself. The Service Counselor must be informed of your wishes in advance, so that a mutually convenient time can be arranged.

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What type of Urn do I need ?

A simple, fiber container is provided by the crematorium, free of charge. However, you may prefer an urn which more reflects your personal tastes. For your convenience, a selection of urns is on display at the cemetery office. Urns come in variety of sizes, styles and materials. Indeed, there is an urn to satisfy every preference, every requirement and every budget. You may select a cast bronze urn, one fashioned from selected hard woods, a ceramic urn or one made from another permanent material such as marble or granite. Urns range in size, from single to multiple capacity, and in styling, from traditional to modern. Some urns are square or rectangular, others are octagonal or cylindrical. And, of course, if you cannot find an available urn that meets your requirements, you can also have one custom designed. With so many beautiful urns available, you may find it difficult to make a selection. Usually, the final choice depends in part on where you will eventually place the urn - will the urn be seen or will it be concealed? Once again, it is a personal decision.

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What if prefer cremation, but my spouse prefers interment ?

This is a common question. One solution is to purchase a grave. This would allow for the interment of a casket or container, as well as an urn containing cremated remains.

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Is it true that cremation is less expensive than a funeral ?

When comparing the basic services required with each option, yes. Please keep in mind that the overall cost depends on the other services selected. Do you prefer a certain type of interment right (urn space/niche)? Will you want an urn? What type of memorial is important to you? Detailed price lists for cemetery services are available at our office.

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How can I be sure my wishes will be followed ?

Clear, written instructions should be given to the person who will be responsible for your funeral and cemetery arrangements. Under the current law, the final decision will rest with your executor(s), even taking precedence over the nearest relatives' choices; so it is important to select a person who you trust to carry out your wishes.

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Can I make all of the arrangements in advance ?

Yes. All arrangements are made in advance. By planning ahead, you have the opportunity to consider the many options available to commemorate a life. You can make an informed decision about your funeral and cemetery arrangements and the form of memorial you prefer, in ways which are meaningful to you and your family. You will gain peace of mind, knowing your family and friends will be relieved of the emotional and financial burden often associated with making arrangements when a death occurs. If you pre-arrange your funeral and cemetery services, you benefit by purchasing at today's prices, free from inflationary pressures in the future. Our flexible payment plans enable you to purchase some cemetery services in advance. Whether you choose to purchase in advance or not, we recommend that you discuss your preferences with your family before you finalize them. Not doing so can cause anxiety if your wishes conflict with what your family or survivors feel is appropriate.

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Is embalming required ?

No. Ohio law does require that the body be embalmed after death, however, refrigeration is required several hour following death if available. Additionally, we do require embalming if you elect to have a public ceremony with an open casket.

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Is a casket necessary for cremation ?

Ohio law does require that the body be held in a rigid, leak-proof container for dignified storage, transfer and handling. Currently, we have a variety of cremation containers and caskets that are very economical and manufactured specifically for cremation.

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Can we witness the cremation ?

Definitely. Our Cremation Tribute Center was built with a Witness Room so that the initiation of the cremation process could be witnessed whether for religious, peace of mind, or other reasons. Our Witness Room is similar to a visitation room and can be used for private ceremony if so desired.

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Can I be cremated if I am Catholic ?

Prohibited prior to the Second Vatican, the Catholic Church has permitted cremation as a means of disposition, though not the preferred method. The Central Ohio Diocese permits the cremated remains to be taken to the church and the residing Priest can decide if the cremated remains can in incorporated into the memorial mass. We would be glad to provide you with a copy of the Diocese's guidelines for cremation.

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What are the legal requirements for cremation in Ohio ?

There are three basic legal requirements which must be met before a cremation can be performed in Ohio. First, at least 24 hours must elapse between the time of death and the time of the cremation. Second, a "Cremation Authorization Form", legally authorizing the cremation must be signed. Third, a Death Certificate must be signed by either the attending physician or Coroner.

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What can be done with the cremated remains ?

Your options are many. The cremated remains can be buried in a cemetery, placed in a columbarium niche, kept at home, scattered on private property or in a cemetery scattering garden or placed at sea (any body of water).  Our staff can assist you in exploring those options.

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How long does the cremation process take ?

It depends on the size of the individual and the type of cremation container or casket. Typically, the process takes 2 to 3 hours at a normal operating temperature of 1600 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.

What do cremated remains look like?

Cremated remains resemble coarse beach sand. They are sandy white to gray in color. The cremated remains of an average size adult would weigh between 5 to 9 pounds and usually take up 200 cubic inches in volume or less. Except for some minuscule amounts of cremated remains which cannot practically be removed from the cremation chamber, all cremated remains are placed in a temporary of permanent urn.  If the amount of cremated remains cannot fit inside the selected urn, then any excess cremated remains would be returned in a temporary urn supplied by our crematory.

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What do I do with the cremated remains ?

As mentioned, cremation is just one step in the commemorative process - the preparation of human remains for memorialization. Today, there are many different types of memorial options from which to choose. Memorialization is a time-honored tradition that has been practiced for centuries. A memorial serves as a tribute to a life lived and provides a focal point for remembrance, as well as a record for future generations. The type of memorial you choose is a personal decision. The limit is set only by your imagination.

  • Urn Spaces

Urn spaces are ideal for those who prefer traditional in-ground interment of cremated remains. Green Hills Memorial Park has areas set aside for this purpose. Many areas have been designed around a sculpture or a garden feature. Each urn space can accommodate the interment one or two urns. The type of memorial permitted would be outlined to you at the time of purchase. The most common form of memorial is a bronze or granite marker set flush with the ground. The marker is placed on top of the urn space. Markers are available through the cemetery office and can be custom designed according to your wishes.

  • Columbarium Niches

A popular choice for the placement of an urn is in a columbarium niche. A niche is a recessed compartment designed for the permanent placement of urns. An arrangement of niches is called a columbarium. Green Hills Memorial Park offers a large variety of columbaria from which to choose. Some are free standing structures located outdoors in picturesque settings, for example, overlooking a pond. Others are located indoors in either a chapel or a mausoleum, often as a bank of niches along a corridor or a series of special alcoves. Depending on the location of the niche, it may have an open front protected by glass where the urn remains visible, or a closed-front faced with granite or marble where an inscription is placed on the niche front. A vase may be placed on some closed-front niches for the placement of flowers by those who care to commemorate special occasions.

  • Scattering of Cremated Remains

The scattering of cremated remains is permitted in designated areas only. Memorial scattering areas are areas in the cemetery that will never be developed for any other use in the future. Memorial scattering areas range from natural settings to formal gardens. Often, the individuals whose cremated remains have been scattered in a memorial scattering area are identified on a special memorial plaque, or a unique garden feature such as a sculpture on which the individual's name is inscribed. You may carry out the scattering of the cremated remains, or you may direct the cemetery staff to do so. You may, if you wish, conduct or have conducted a form of committal or memorial service at the time of scattering. Since the scattering of cremated remains is an irreversible process, we require that all arrangements for the scattering process be made in person at the cemetery office.

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For More questions on Cremation Options or the cremation process, click on the link http://www.cremationassociation.org/html/for_consumers.html and select the "brochure" you desire to read!

 

Ohio Crematory®
7915 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, Oh. 43068
Phone (614) 755-9500 Fax (614) 755-9505