Frequently Asked Questions about Cremation

What is cremation?

Cremation is the process of reducing the human body to bone particles and ash through the application of direct flame and intense heat.

Can I have a service with cremation?

For those desiring cremation, you actually have more options and flexibility when it comes to service offerings. Everything is available from a traditional funeral ceremony followed by cremation and then burial to a memorial service after the cremation has occurred. Furthermore, since we are not restricted by the operating hours of the cemetery, you have the flexibility to schedule your ceremonies for day or night.

Is embalming required?

No. Ohio law does require that the body be embalmed or held in refrigeration following 24 hours after death. We do require embalming if you elect to have a public ceremony with an open casket.

Can We Witness the Cremation?

Definitely.

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.

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.

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 at least 3 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Our staff can assist you in exploring those options.

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 happens following the cremation process?

Following the actual cremation, all bone particles and other materials are retrieved from the cremation chamber by sweeping them into a stainless steel collection pan for cooling. Once cooled, all metal materials (metal casket parts, hip joints, & bridgework) are removed by both visual inspection and use of a strong magnet. The remaining bone particles and ash are then reduced into a small, consistent size and placed in the selected urn.

What do cremated remains look like?

Cremated remains resemble coarse beach sand. They are typically light gray in color. The cremated remains of an average size adult would weigh between 5 to 8 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 the selected 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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Jackson Lytle Williams Funeral Home and Ingling Williams Funeral Homes
Springfield, Cedarville, South Charleston and Yellow Springs
Independently Owned Funeral Homes • (937) 399-2811