Today, the nationwide cremation rate is around 57.5% and the NFDA has projected that by 2035 it will grow to around 75%. While cremation has grown in popularity, a lot of times an urn ends up sitting on a mantel or bookshelf with the intention of deciding on what to do with the urn and ashes later. This is the first in a four part series about different ways to memorialize and find a final resting place for a loved one.

When most people think of a final resting place for a loved one, the first place that comes to mind is a cemetery. While in ground burial is used primarily for caskets, an urn can also be buried in a cemetery. In fact, multiple urns can be buried in a single plot for a casket. Just like a traditional burial, a marker typically will be placed with the person’s name on it as well as any personalization that a family would like to include such as “beloved Mother” or the seal of a military branch.

Another common idea for where to lay a loved one to rest is in a mausoleum or columbarium. A mausoleum is an option for an above ground burial for caskets. Similarly, a columbarium allows for above ground burial of urns. Internment in a columbarium allows for an urn to be buried above ground with their name written on the outside of the wall. A columbarium can be entirely outdoors or be enclosed.

Keepsake urns are smaller urns that hold a portion of the ashes. A keepsake urn could be designed the exact way the large urn is or it could be made of even different material. Some keepsake urns can be designed into jewelry pieces, objects such as lamps or candles, or included into photo frames.

An ash releasing ceremony, or more commonly referred to as a scattering, can take place over a wide area or in a single dedicated spot. A scattering can be done on land, sea or in inland waterways. The ceremony can involve either a portion of the ashes or all of them. For example, a portion of the ashes could go into a keepsake and the rest be scattered, or a portion could be scattered and the remaining buried.

For more information about any of these types of final resting places, or to learn more about your urn options, visit batemanpacificview.com or call (541) 265-2751 or make an appointment to visit in person.