Frequently Asked Questions

We have heard thousands of questions, and chosen to provide you with the answers to some of the more common questions relating to cremation and our services.

What happens if someone has died?

If someone has died at home and they are NOT in the care of a hospice:

You must contact local police/fire department (dial 911). They will give you additional instructions after they arrive. It is possible that they may involve the County Coroner or that your loved one may be taken to a hospital or other facility. If you are asked about which funeral or cremation service provider to call, please give them our telephone number: (614) 429-5699.

If someone has died at home and they ARE in the care of a hospice:

Please contact someone from the hospice. A nurse or other hospice representative will come to the home. They will know what steps to take.   If you are asked about which funeral or cremation service provider to call, please give them our telephone number: (614) 429-5699.

If someone has died at a hospital, nursing home or other care facility:

The staff of the care facility will know what needs to be done. If you are asked about which funeral or cremation service provider to call, please give them our telephone number: (614) 429-5699.

If someone has died and they have been taken to the “Coroner’s Office” or “the Morgue”:

In most cases, we will need to meet to get county-specific paperwork signed before the Coroner will allow your loved one to be transferred into our care. Please call us at (614) 429-5699.

What is cremation?

The cremation process uses high heat and flame to reduce the human body to small particles and fragments of bone. It is not a funeral or memorial service, though we can help you plan the disposition of the cremated remains as part of a beautiful tribute for your loved one.

How long does cremation take?

After the cremation, what happens next?

When the cremation process is complete, only bone fragments remain. In our owned and operated crematory, these are processed to a uniform size, placed in a container, and returned to you. Please ask us about the many beautiful urns and other memorial containers we offer, as well as other dignified choices for the preservation of the cremated remains.

What do cremated remains look like?

They look like coarse sand, ranging in color from pure white to gray. Normally, they weigh from four and eight pounds.

When will the cremation take place?

In Ohio, a cremation can only happen after we have written permission from the legal next-of-kin and a cremation permit from the county where the death occurred. Obtaining a cremation permit requires that a death certificate be prepared by a cremation (or funeral) provider, completed and signed by the treating physician (or the coroner), and that the death certificate has been certified by the local Health Department. This process can often take five or more business days (and can also vary greatly depending on individual circumstances).

If we choose cremation, can we still have a viewing and a funeral service?

How do I know if I can scatter my loved one's ashes?

Prior to scattering your loved one’s ashes, make sure you are doing so legally. However, the government typically does not regulate the scattering of ashes. If you want to scatter the ashes at a public park, submit a formal request to avoid any legal trouble. As long as you check the rules beforehand and are considerate, you typically shouldn’t have any problems.