funeral homes in Tukwila, WA

Burial Options: Understanding Your Options for Final Resting Place

Choosing the right burial option is an important decision when it comes to planning for end-of-life arrangements. There are several different types of burial options available, each with its own unique advantages and considerations. Understanding these options can help you make an informed decision that best fits your needs and preferences. And we, at funeral homes in Tukwila, WA are here to guide you about your burial options.

Traditional Burial

Traditional burial is perhaps the most well-known burial option. It involves burying the deceased in a casket, typically made of wood or metal, in a cemetery plot. This option allows for a range of customization and personalization, such as choosing the type of casket, headstone, and plot location. Traditional burial also provides a physical location for loved ones to visit and pay their respects.

Green Burial

Green burial is an eco-friendlier alternative to traditional burial. It involves burying the deceased in a biodegradable casket or shroud in a designated green burial section of a cemetery or in a natural setting, such as a meadow or woodland. This option prioritizes minimal environmental impact and allows the body to decompose naturally, returning to the earth.

Cremation

Cremation is a popular and increasingly common burial option. It involves using high heat to reduce the body to ashes, which can then be placed in an urn, scattered in a meaningful location, or used to create memorial jewelry or other keepsakes. Cremation offers flexibility in terms of location and personalization, as the ashes can be kept close or dispersed in a location that held meaning to the deceased.

Water Cremation

Water cremation, also known as aquamation or alkaline hydrolysis, is a newer and eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation. It involves using water and alkaline chemicals to break down the body, leaving only bones that can then be ground into ashes. This option has a lower carbon footprint than traditional cremation and produces a sterile liquid byproduct that is safe for the environment.

Donation to Science

Donating one’s body to science is a unique burial option that involves donating the body to a medical or research institution for scientific study. This option allows individuals to make a valuable contribution to the advancement of medical knowledge and can potentially lead to breakthroughs in treatment and disease prevention. After the study is complete, the body is typically cremated and returned to the family or interred in a cemetery.

To summarize, choosing a burial option is a personal decision that should be made with care and consideration. Understanding the options available can help individuals make an informed choice that aligns with their values and preferences. Whether choosing a traditional burial, green burial, cremation, water cremation, or donation to science, each option offers its own unique benefits and considerations. By exploring the available options and discussing them with your family and a funeral director, individuals can make a decision that honors their wishes and provides comfort to those left behind.

To assist you and give you more details, reach out or go to our funeral homes in Tukwila, WA.

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Aquamation: The Eco-Friendly Alternative to Traditional Cremation

Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, is an innovative and eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation. It involves using a combination of water, heat, and alkaline chemicals to break down the body of the deceased, leaving only the bones. The process is gaining popularity due to its environmentally friendly nature and the range of associated products it offers. Good thing, if you don’t want to have the traditional cremation, our cremation services in West Seattle, WA also offer this type of eco-friendly alternative.

One of the main benefits of aquamation is that it is significantly less harmful to the environment than traditional cremation. Cremation releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. In contrast, aquamation has a much lower carbon footprint and is considered a more sustainable option.

Another benefit of aquamation is that it produces a sterile, liquid byproduct that is safe for the environment. This byproduct, known as cremated remains or “ashes,” can be used in a variety of ways. It can be scattered in a meaningful location, placed in an urn, or used to create a piece of memorial jewelry. In addition to traditional cremation urns, there are many new and unique products available that are specifically designed for aquamation remains. These products include biodegradable urns made from materials such as bamboo or sand, memorial jewelry made from ashes, and even customized pieces of artwork.

For those who want to keep their loved one close to them, memorial jewelry made from aquamation remains can be a meaningful and unique way to honor their memory. This type of jewelry can be made in a variety of styles, including pendants, rings, and bracelets, and can contain a small amount of the ashes.

Another unique way to honor the memory of a loved one is to commission a piece of artwork that incorporates their cremated remains. This can be a painting, sculpture, or even a glass-blown piece. These one-of-a-kind pieces can provide a lasting tribute to the person and their life.

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Aquamation is also gaining popularity in the veterinary industry. Many pet owners are choosing aquamation for their beloved pets as a more eco-friendly and sustainable option. The process is similar to that used for humans and produces the same sterile liquid byproduct that can be used to create memorial jewelry or artwork.

In conclusion, aquamation is an innovative and eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation. It offers a range of benefits, including a lower carbon footprint, a sterile liquid byproduct, and a variety of unique products to honor the memory of a loved one.

Do you have more queries or you like to know more about aquamation and cremation services in West Seattle, WA? Feel free to contact us anytime you are ready. We are available and open for your needs 24/7. We will show you the best products and services that we can provide to you. Not just that, we also have reliable staff and funeral directors that you can trust during this hardest part of your life.

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Celebration of Life: A Time to Remember and Honor

Life is a precious gift that we should cherish every moment. It is filled with countless experiences, memories, and emotions that shape us into who we are today. When we lose someone we love, it can be difficult to come to terms with the reality of their passing. But, celebrating their life can be a beautiful way to honor their memory and keep their spirit alive. Fortunately, funeral homes near West Seattle, WA also offers dignified service like a celebration of life.

A celebration of life is a gathering of family, friends, and loved ones to remember and honor the life of someone who has passed away. Unlike a traditional funeral, a celebration of life is focused on the positive aspects of a person’s life, rather than the mourning of their death. It is an opportunity to share stories, memories, and experiences that reflect the person’s unique personality, interests, and values.

The purpose of a celebration of life is to provide closure and comfort to those who are grieving. It allows them to celebrate the person’s life, rather than focus on their death. It is a time to reflect on the positive impact that the person had on their life and the lives of others. A celebration of life can also help to bring people together, strengthening relationships and providing emotional support to those who need it most.

There are many ways to celebrate a person’s life. One popular option is to create a memory board or photo display featuring pictures and mementos that reflect the person’s life. This can be a great way to showcase the person’s interests, hobbies, and achievements. Another option is to have a video tribute that includes pictures, music, and video clips that highlight the person’s life. This can be a moving and emotional way to remember and honor the person’s memory.

Another way to celebrate a person’s life is to have a themed celebration that reflects their personality and interests. For example, if the person was an avid traveler, you could have a travel-themed celebration, featuring decorations, food, and music from different parts of the world. If the person was a sports fan, you could have a sports-themed celebration, featuring their favorite teams and players.

funeral homes near West Seattle, WANo matter how you choose to celebrate a person’s life, it is important to remember that it is a time to reflect on the positive aspects of their life and the impact they had on others. It is also important to provide support and comfort to those who are grieving. This can be done through words of encouragement, hugs, and simply being there for them.

To conclude, a celebration of life is a beautiful way to honor the memory of someone who has passed away. It allows us to reflect on the positive aspects of their life and the impact they had on others. It is a time to come together as a community and support one another during a difficult time. All in all, a celebration of life is a time to remember and honor those who have touched our lives in so many ways.

Our funeral homes near West Seattle, WA is open 24/7 for your queries and concerns, so do not be hesitant to contact or visit us.

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How to Pre-Arrange a Cremation?

Prearranging cremation with your loved ones or as a member of a cremation society enables you to communicate your ultimate intentions to your family, which is a selfless deed during their time of need. By writing these wishes, you are helping family members and funeral and cremation service providers in ensuring that they are fully and appropriately carried out. It is reassuring to know that decisions have already been taken prior to the time of need, since the events before, occurring during, and following the death of a loved one can be stressful for all involved parties. We, at cremation Services in Bellevue, WA, want to help you and your family in time of need as well, that is why we also offer this type of service for our customers.

And now, here are the following steps you can follow in prearranging a cremation:

  1. Choose a Cremation Provider. The first step in prearrangement is selecting a cremation service provider you can rely on, who is trustworthy and capable of carrying out your preferences. Compile a list of questions and concerns to ask the provider with your spouse or family.
  2. Know your options. Prearrangement allows you to learn about your options in a stress-free setting and to deliberate about these selections. You will have complete authority and can choose and specify the services that are meaningful to you and your family.
  3. Wishes require proper documentation. Preplanning guarantees your wishes will be carried out. Ensure that your wishes are documented in writing and discussed with your family and an attorney. Maintain a folder with copies of this document and other essential paperwork in an easily accessible location for family members.
  4. Engage the rest family members. Prearrangement is a great time for relatives to discuss preparations and make objective decisions together, free of the time constraints and emotional stress that frequently accompany the death of a loved one. Including your loved one’s closest family and friends in this process might bring you peace of mind and a sense of relief.cremation Services in Bellevue, WA
  5. Determine the final disposition method. This is a highly personal choice affected by a person’s faith and views. This is really important and you have the authority to choose what will be the final disposition that you want.
  6. Don’t hesitate to ask about rates. Costs for cremation might vary significantly from location to location. Choose a funeral home that provides its rates in a clear and straightforward manner, and request a detailed price list of its products and services.
  7. Consider preparing ahead and prepaying for services. Arranging a cremation service in advance can settle the details, but only prepayment can cover the actual expense in advance. Have in mind that these services are subject to inflation. Prepayment makes good financial sense since it locks in current costs for an event that may not occur for years.

If you’re looking for an expert that can help you with the pre-arrangements, our cremation Services in Bellevue, WA is here for you. Please contact us whenever you are ready and we will be there to assist you.

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Celebration of Life

The purpose of a celebration of life, memorial service, burial, or other ceremony, despite their differences, is to allow those whose lives the deceased affected in large and small ways to express their respect and celebrate their memory. They also serve as a crucial phase in the grieving process, enabling the bereaved to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of their deceased loved one, as well as gain the support and companionship of others. Our funeral homes in Bellevue, WA also offer a celebration of life service.

Indeed, the most remarkable celebrations are extremely meaningful and capture the departed’s unique life and personality. With that, here’s how to plan a life celebration for your loved one.

1. Timing

A memorial or celebration of life can be held at any time after a person’s passing. You may opt to make preparations quickly, but waiting several weeks or even months is also fine. It can be tough to make decisions quickly following a significant loss; by arranging the event several months in advance, you can solicit the assistance of others or even hire a professional planner.

2. Type of Service

Choose the type of ceremony you wish to hold. Depending on the disposition of the remains, a number of event planning options are available.

3. Guests to Invite

After you’ve decided on the type of service and time of the event, it’s a good idea to create an invitation list. Consider first your immediate family, then your more distant relatives. Next, create a list of friends, and not just current pals; include friends from childhood, school, different occupations, and various locales.

4. Venue/Location

Fortunately in a celebration of life, you can also choose the place where the celebration will be held. So, you can decide where the life celebration will take place.

5. Readings and Readers

You may choose religious prayers, readings, poems, quotes, personal writings, or song lyrics that were meaningful to the deceased. Afterward, pick the reader or readers who will offer the documents.

6. Eulogist / Speakers

If you prefer to have a eulogy, you must select the writer and speaker.

7. Music

Pick songs, hymns, and other musical works that the deceased appreciated or that have special importance.

8. Food & Beverage

Food and beverage options include do-it-yourself (with the assistance of friends and family) preparation, hiring a caterer, or the venue’s full-service food and beverage service.

9. Photographer / Camera Operator

You may want to photograph or record the celebration in order to save the memories for years to come. You can assign this task to a family member or close friend, or you can hire a professional photographer.

10. Flowers & Memorials

funeral homes Bellevue, WATraditionally, people express their grief by sending flowers. Still, it is common for families to request memorial donations rather than flowers. You can say in the obituary, on social media, and on event invitations whether flowers or memorials are preferred, or if both are acceptable.

As you noticed all the decision-making will be yours to make when you choose a celebration of life. Now, if you need assistance and still have questions to ask, reach our company of funeral homes in Bellevue, WA.

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What Is a Green Cremation Service?

Green cremation is an environmentally friendly type of cremation that reduces a deceased person’s body to skeletal remains. It is also known as a “water cremation” or a “hydro cremation” in the funeral business since extremely hot water and potassium hydroxide are used to complete the process rather than fire. Good thing, a company of cremation services at Tukwila, WA offers green services that you might also be looking for, with that, anytime you can check our website. The Department of Anatomy at the Mayo Clinic has been utilizing alkaline hydrolysis, sometimes known as resomation, as a means of the final disposition of the deceased’s body.

Surely, after you understand what a green cremation is and how the process works, you can make an informed decision as to whether you or a loved one would consider it.

The Process of Alkaline Hydrolysis Cremation:

According to the Cremation Institute, this is what occurs during the cremation of this type.

  • First, the deceased person’s body is wrapped in natural material, generally a silk robe, and placed in a stainless-steel chamber within a resonator unit machine.
  • Next, the machine is then filled with approximately 80% gallons of a solution consisting of 95% percent water and 5% percent potassium hydroxide. After weighing the body, the machine determines the exact amount of solution required.
  • Then, the unit is subsequently compressed and the water is heated to roughly 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This eliminates any current microorganisms and dissolves the remaining soft tissue.
  • Afterward, the machine then undergoes a rinse cycle, the residual liquid is emptied into a separate holding tank, and primarily bone pieces remain.
  • Last but not least, the fragments are examined for non-natural components, such as dental fillings and medical implants. The fragments are then dried and ground into a fine, white powder that, like other cremains, can be deposited in an appropriate container or urn.

Where Is Bio Cremation Authorized?

cremation services at Tukwila, WAIn the United States, bio-cremation is permissible in some states but not others. Even in states where this sort of cremation is allowed, facilities may not yet be available to carry it out. Thus, you should research the laws in your state.

If you, as consumers keep looking for environmentally safe alternatives, acceptance of the technique will grow. Yet, the industry is reluctant to adapt, so for many people, traditional cremation is the only alternative.

Green cremation could become the norm in the future due to a lack of available land for traditional graves and increased concern for the environment. Find out if it is offered in your community and have a conversation with your loved ones if it is. Then you and your loved ones can decide if it’s the right decision. Truly, with green cremation, we return to the ground through the natural cycle of life, so assisting in the development of new life as nature intended.

If you have more questions and want additional details about green cremation or other services, do not hesitate to reach out or contact our cremation services at Tukwila, WA. Our staff will be there to guide you.

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An In-Depth to Your Burial Options

It is difficult to consider the passing of a loved one, but it is vital to be prepared. When planning a burial for a loved one, there are many factors to consider, but the most important is to find a manner to say goodbye that feels right for you and your family. It might be challenging to choose the type of burial for yourself or a loved one. Throughout history, individuals from a wide range of societies have honored the dead by burying or cremating them. Today, however, there are numerous options for burials. This guide provides an in-depth analysis of four types of burials so that you may make the best option for yourself or a loved one. Our company of funeral homes near Tukwila, WA also offers services and has many burial options.

Natural Burial

Green burials are frequently confused with natural burials. Despite their differences, they both decompose naturally without the need for embalming fluid, a coffin, or a burial vault. Instead, the deceased’s body is buried immediately in the ground. This burial option has minimal to no environmental impact. Some individuals may opt to be interred in biodegradable caskets, which are typically composed of bamboo, hemp, wool, felt, cotton, cork, teak, willow, rattan, seagrass, leaves, recycled cardboard, or other “low impact” materials. Green funerals occur in cemeteries that do not employ synthetic pesticides.

In-Ground Burial

This traditional type of burial typically requires a casket and includes some form of memorial homage to the deceased. The body of the departed is placed in a metal or wooden casket, which is then lowered into a dug spot and covered with soil. Although caskets, headstones, and accessories can be purchased separately, many families opt to purchase them all at once to save money in the long run. A burial service may accompany an in-ground burial to honor the deceased’s last resting place and offer family and friends a sense of closure.

Burial Above Ground

There are various types of above-ground burials, but lawn crypts and public or private mausoleums are the most common. Lawn crypts combine numerous advantages of mausoleum interment with the time-honored custom of in-ground burials. Mausoleums, on the other hand, provide clean and dry confines that are secure. If the additional prestige of being buried within a structured appeal to you, a mausoleum may be the best option. Alternatively, if the idea of being interred close to a loved one appeal to you, a lawn crypt may be your best option.

Cremation

funeral homes near Tukwila, WACremation has recently eclipsed burial as the most preferred last disposition option. The corpse is exposed to temperatures between 1,400 and 1,800°F. This kind of heat will convert the body to ash and shattered bones. The majority of families choose to scatter or preserve cremated ashes following the funeral service. Cremation is becoming increasingly popular since it is typically less expensive and utilizes fewer resources than other methods of interment.

Death, as devastating as it may be, is a normal and inevitable part of life. When a loved one dies, it is essential to select a burial option that is suitable for them and your family. There are lots of options, and each works differently.

And, we at funeral homes near Tukwila, WA are here as well to show and introduce you to the different services that we have. So, feel free to contact us anytime.

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Which is Best? Cremation or Burial

Cremation has overtaken burial as the most common method of final disposition because of its rapid rise in popularity over the past several years. Although the decision between burial and cremation is extremely personal, however, when making the decision, it is necessary to take into consideration several factors. Before that, did you know that there is a cremation service in West Seattle, WA that offers both burial and cremation services? Well, our company offers not only burial and cremation services but a lot more.

For now, let’s move on to the various elements to consider when you are in the middle of deciding between burial or cremation service:

The big differences between burial and cremation service

Let’s explore the differences and distinctions between cremation and burial to start. When a body is cremated, it is burnt until only ashes remain. With burial, the body is preserved. Both cremation and burial can occur soon after a person’s death, either after a typical funeral service or before a memorial service. The body may be buried in the ground or entombed in a mausoleum in the case of a burial. In contrast, cremated remains may be kept by the family, scattered, buried, or placed in a columbarium. In general, cremation is the more cost-effective option.

Respect the remains.

When we chat with people who are considering between burial and cremation, a few recurring themes and questions arise. The desire to honor the deceased’s memory and, by extension, their body is one of the most frequently voiced concerns. It is noteworthy to note, however, that for some people, this entails preserving the body’s integrity, whereas, for others, the idea of letting the remains decompose underground is unthinkable. In many cultures and religions, viewing the body is a crucial aspect of the funeral ceremony. Numerous individuals erroneously believe that this is impossible if cremation is chosen. In reality, it is rather normal for a viewing to occur before cremation.

Religious Faith/Beliefs

Christian opinions on cremation vary. The Catholic Church banned cremation until the 1960s. However, the cremated remains must be interred, not scattered or carried home by survivors. Methodist, Seventh-day Adventist, and Lutheran churches allow cremation, although Baptist, conservative, and Eastern Orthodox churches do not. Some Jews now accept cremation. Hinduism and Buddhism mandate cremation. Culturally, Sikhs favor cremation; however, burial is allowed. Muslims cannot cremate.

Environmental Impact

cremation service in West Seattle, WABoth burial and cremation have environmental pros and cons. Both sides argue over which option is greener. Some say cremation releases a lot of pollutants, while others say it’s greener because traditional caskets aren’t biodegradable and embalming fluids are poisonous. The popularity of natural burials, sometimes known as eco-burials, has been on the rise in recent years. Burials in this style use biodegradable, compostable coffins and never include the use of embalming substances.

It is a tough and deeply personal choice between burial and cremation. If you are still having difficulty with it, you may want to address it with your family or other loved ones. Additionally, you can seek the support and advice of a funeral director on our cremation services in West Seattle, WA. We will guide you as much as we can.

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How to Make Funeral Meaningful?

Have you ever been to a funeral that made you feel like you know the departed on a deeper level than you did before the service? You were given a glimpse into who the departed loved one was as well as the things that were most important to them because every aspect of the memorial was meticulously crafted to reflect the life of the person who has passed away. A funeral home in West Seattle, WA are offering many services such as traditional and simple funeral services, and many more. And, here to give you ideas on how to make funeral even more meaningful.

But note that, meaningful funerals do not just happen. They are well-planned rituals that demand your attention and time for at least two days. However, you may feel less burdened by the planning if you remember that the effort you expend now to design a personalized, inclusive ceremony will help you, your family, and other mourners embark on healthy, healing grief journeys. This list is intended to assist you in planning a funeral that will be meaningful to you and your loved ones.

Choose items that reflect the life and character of the deceased.

There are elements of the ceremony that you will want to customize. You may consider the music, readings, keepsakes, movies, color, flowers, cuisine, and venue. All of these aspects can be customized to produce an innovative and meaningful service. For an instance, nature-lover may be remembered on a beach, in a park, a garden, by a lake, or in the mountains, and more. There are numerous ways to create a one-of-a-kind funeral service.

Discover ways to embrace the beauty of life.

A healing ritual gives friends and family a sense of hope in the middle of sadness and anguish. Peace is brought to people who are grieving by the time spent planning details and honoring the deceased’s legacy. Additionally, kids may struggle with saying goodbye. Encourage children to make an image that can be placed on the casket or memorial table. Even in a moment of loss, a ceremony honoring the deceased displays the beauty of life and reinforces the significance of their life on earth.

Encourage people to attend and make their own contributions to the funeral service.

funeral home in West Seattle, WAGrief and loss are fresh and real for those closest to the deceased loved one. The funeral ceremony is the beginning of the healing process since it enables mourners to accept the truth of the death. The presence of those who are also grieving might provide solace to those who have suffered a loss. Sharing supportive words, reminiscing memories, writing letters/cards of condolence, or simply spending quality time with the bereaved might help in bringing closure. The path to recovery is not quick nor easy, but a meaningful tribute with many loved ones present can reassure the family that they are not alone.

It is vital to understand the balance between the deceased’s wishes and the family’s requirements. Choose options that are meaningful to you, and they will be appreciated and respected by your loved ones.

Finally, to learn more and if you want additional details about funerals, please don’t be shy to contact us or you can simply go to our funeral home in West Seattle, WA. So, we can fully guide you.

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What Should I Know Before Deciding on Cremation?

Whether you’re arranging a funeral now or considering your options for the future, cremation or burial should be a primary consideration. You’ve definitely heard of cremation, but you may have questions about its details. How does cremation work? What does it mean to choose it for a loved one or for yourself? Would cremation be the most suitable choice for you? After choosing cremation, what other decisions will you need to make? There are a variety of questions that may arise, so continue reading to learn more. Anyway, our cremation services near Bellevue, WA are also here to help you out.

What exactly is cremation?

In simple terms, cremation is one way to dispose of a deceased person’s body. Cremation is typically less expensive than a regular burial, which contributes to its rising popularity worldwide. Unlike burial, in which the deceased is placed in a casket or coffin and buried in the ground or housed in a mausoleum, cremation involves the transformation of the deceased’s bones into ashes using a fire- or liquid-based procedure.

How cremation works?

High temperatures and evaporation reduce a body to its basic elements in cremation. Cremation reduces the body to bone fragments by heating and burning it in a specific container. The residues are converted into ash-like ash after cooling. Then, the family receives the cremated remains, which weigh 3-7 pounds, in an urn or temporary container. Subsequently, they have an option for memorialization.

How long does cremation take?

On average, a cremation takes roughly three hours. This is just an estimate, and actual cremation procedures may differ depending on the service provider and other factors.

What are things to consider when choosing between burial or cremation?

It is a personal decision to choose between burial and cremation. Consider the following factors while determining whether cremation is the best choice.

Respecting the individual. If you are making this decision on behalf of a deceased person who did not leave directions, consider what they would have preferred.

Respecting the living. If you’re planning for yourself, you may select cremation for a number of reasons, including that you want your ashes to be scattered or stored with family so that they do not have to visit a cemetery. If you are planning for a loved one and they have not given specific instructions, it is not selfish at all to consider your own preferences and requirements.

Respecting the environment. You may believe that burial is more environmentally friendly than cremation, however this is not always the case. Cremation costs a great deal of energy and does release chemicals into the environment, but many experts believe it is a more environmentally-friendly option than, for example, embalming and traditional burial.

Respecting religious beliefs. If religion is a significant part, it should be considered prior to selecting cremation, as certain religious traditions have strong beliefs about the subject.

What if cremation isn’t right for me?

The concept of cremation may not be acceptable to all people. If this is the case, there are a number of burial choices that can be made in advance to guarantee that your intentions are followed through.

Are you still in dilemma? Contact us or visit our cremation services near Bellevue, WA, so we can assist you with everything that you need and want to ask.