 | Bob Phifer
Cochran Mortuary President, and his wife Terri Cochran Phifer have proudly served Wichita families since 1980. The company has been family owned and operated since 1928, spanning five generations. You may contact Bob at (316) 262-4422. |
Final Arrangements
2003-04-01 12:22:00
What about cremation?
ANSWER: In recent years there has been a steady, if somewhat gradual rise, in the number of cremations performed in Kansas, Today, in our state, approximately 17% of all deaths result in the option of cremation. This compares with other areas of the country, where the cremation rate can be well over 50%.Recent studies have revealed that cost is not the primary reason families may opt for cremation; rather, changing social, philosophical and religious factors have made the choice more acceptable.Cremation in merely an alternative choice for the final disposition of the body of the deceased. The fact that cremation may be chosen should not deny the choice for memorialization of the deceased, as has been tradition, with some form of ceremony or rite of passage. Nor should it prohibit permanent memorialization of the cremated remains, such as interment, entombment or other more personal means.Funeral and/or memorial services for those choosing cremation can vary from the very elaborate to the very simple and personal. A growing number of families choosing cremation continue to view cremation in a truly "traditional" sense. This could be by choosing a viewing / visitation period with or without a formal ceremony, but afterwards the body is cremated, rather that taken for traditional ground burial or entombment. Funeral homes providing cremation services and options have cremation specific products available; i.e., cremation caskets and ceremonial caskets, at reasonable costs, which allows a family this choice.Others may choose a different approach. This may be to perform the cremation as soon as legally possible after the death has occurred, then afterwards, follow with a memorial service or gathering. In this instance the body is not present, but most families do wish the "urn" to be. A memorial service maybe a very simple gathering of remembrance among family and close friends, or a formal religious ceremony or rile, just as with a non- cremation funeral, or as with anything else, something in between.It is recommended that personalization be a part of any memorial or funeral service. Pictures, music, keepsakes and remembrances can be utilized to make this a meaningful experience.Remember, there is not a right way or a wrong way, unless one is limited by religious guidelines or practices, of planning one's wishes at death. Ceremonies, rites or gatherings should be respectful, mindful and reflective of the individual and the survivors. For this reason it is recommended families communicate their thoughts and ideas as to what will be appropriate and meaningful.
