A Last Will & Testament is a written statement that explains how you want your belongings to be distributed to loved ones or charitable organizations after your death. A last will must be written with a sound mind, and is considered invalid if that is not the case, and in most states, you must be 18 years of age or older for the document to be considered legal. If you don’t have a will when you die, then your property will be handled by a probate court, and may be distributed differently than you would prefer.

A Living Will is an outline of important health care decisions, such as organ donation and whether or not to remain on artificial life support. A living will is drawn up in advance of facing such decisions. Living wills and advance directives describe your preferences for end-of-life care. These documents speak for you when you’re not able to speak for yourself.

By planning ahead, you can get the medical care you want, avoid unnecessary suffering and relieve caregivers of decision-making burdens during moments of crisis or grief. You also help reduce confusion or disagreement about the choices you would want people to make on your behalf.

See also: How do I write a Last Will & Testament?

You can download state-specific forms for advance directives via the National Hospice and Palliative Care Association’s Caring Pages.

 

Note: This page is for general information purposes. We recommend you seek the advice of an attorney for legal matters.

An epitaph is the wording placed on a headstone to describe the person buried there. In addition to the name, dates of birth and death, and family relationships, epitaphs often feature a quote or statement commemorating the person’s life. Many of these quotes and statements are reverent or religious, while others are humorous or philosophical. They can also be as simple as “R.I.P.” for “Rest in Peace.”

The Museum’s tagline is an epitaph: “Any day above ground is a good one.” Here are some other examples to get you started in drafting one for yourself or a loved one.

REVERENT & RELIGIOUS

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. –  23rd Psalm

Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. –  John 3:15

Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal

PHILOSOPHICAL

Your presence is a gift to the world, you’re unique and one of a kind. Your life can be what you want it to be. Take it one day at a time.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

HUMOROUS

Rest in Peace Nathaniel Ward
His Chevy Nova hit a Ford

He was a simple man who died of complications

Owen Moore has passed away
Owin’ more than he could pay

SIMPLY STATED / WORDS OF COMFORT

Rest in Peace

Forever in our hearts

Gone, but not forgotten

In Loving Memory of

To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die

For additional examples see British memorial company Set in Stone’s  list of epitaphs.

• 2023

Best Experiences National Museums of Funeral History

• 2021

Grunge – March 13, 2021

National Museum of Funeral History (Houston) – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go December, 2021

National Museum of Funeral History – Bing video May, 2021

National Museum of Funeral History celebrates life after death – Bing video October, 2021

National Museum of Funeral History – Bing video August, 2021

The National Museum of Funeral History in Houston, Texas – Bing video November, 2021

 

• 2020

Funeral Industry News – December 29, 2020

Houstonia Magazine – December 2, 2020

Rae and Dad – November 18, 2020

365Houston – November 9, 2020

The Hannah & Fred Show – October 26, 2020

HCCTV Up to the Minute – August 6, 2020

Daytripper on PBS KUHT-TV Channel 8 – May 9, 2020

Houston Chronicle – April 26, 2020

Houston P.A. iHeart Radio – February 7, 2020

12 Top-Rated Museums in Houston | PlanetWare June 8, 2020

A Funeral Museum! (Strangest Museum in Texas!) – Bing video September, 2020

 

• 2019

VacationIdea – September 2019

Houston Chronicle reporter Jef Rouner’s story Icons In Ash exhibit – August 7, 2019

365 Things to do in Houston, Icons In Ash exhibit – August 6, 2019

KTRH features the Museum in “Putting the ‘fun’ in funerals” – April 18, 2019

The Museum featured in The Director – April 2019

Houstonia Magazine features NMFH President Genevieve Keeney – February 2019

 

• 2018

Houston Chronicle – September 7, 2018

Connecting Directors, The History of Cremation – September 6, 2018

Atlas Obscura, The Curious Afterlives of Hearses – April 5, 2018

How presidential funeral traditions began – Bing video December, 2018

 

• 2017

The Spookiest Museum in Texas Promises a Horrifying Time for the Whole Family This Halloween, OnlyInYourState.com – October 27, 2017

Family fun: Tricks and treats, haunted houses and festivals, Houston Chronicle – October 25, 2017

25 Years of Houston’s National Museum of Funeral History’s Bizarrely Fascinating Exhibits, Houston Press – July 5, 2017

Batmobile displayed at funeral museum in tribute to car’s creator, Fort Bend Star – March 14, 2017

11 Quirky Texas Destinations for Curious Travelers, Culturetrip.com – March 6, 2017

Holy toledo, Batman! Funeral Museum adds whimsy to deathly subject, Houston Chronicle – February 17, 2017

“21 Best Things to do in Houston This Week” includes A Tribute to George Barris exhibit and a replica of the 1966 Batmobile on display, Houston Press – January 31, 2017

Must-See Museums you’ve (Probably) Never Heard of, MommyPoppins.com – January 12, 2017

Robert Rose, host of Raw Travel, the #1 rated travel show on TV seen in over 150 U.S. cities and several countries around the world, was recently in Houston to interview President of the National Museum of Funeral History, Genevieve Keeney, and film at the museum. We will keep you posted when the segment will air. Stay tuned! – January 12, 2017

Satisfy your curiosity at The National Museum of Funeral History – Bing video November, 2017

 

• 2016

The Museum featured in TripAdvisor’s HolidayLettings blog “12 One-of-a-kind US Attractions You Can’t Miss” – June 29, 2016

CBS 11 KHOU-TV “Great Day Houston” featuring Kasey French, Honoring Olivewood photographer, and Descendants of Olivewood Co-President Margott Williams – February 16, 2016

Honoring Olivewood Exhibit featured – Houston Public Media KUHF, Houston Matters – February 2016

“Things to do in Houston” lists Honoring Olivewood exhibit at NMFH – Houston Press – February 2016

Honoring Olivewood Exhibit featured – Houston Public Media KUHF, Arts and Culture news – February 2016 

 

• 2015

The Museum featured as “An Educational Experience Like No Other” – Texas Homes for Sale – December 2015

President of the Museum featured in “Dark Sun Rising” – Para-X Radio Network – October 12, 2015

Robin Williams Tribute at the Museum of Funeral History – CW39 News Fix – August 8, 2015

Till Death Do Us Part – Spring 2015

Birthday bash for Abe Lincoln celebrates Presidents’ Day at NMFH – CW39 News Fix – February 16, 2015

The Texas Bucket List – The National Museum of Funeral History – Bing video May, 2015

JB’s Journal – National Museum of Funeral History – Bing video November, 2015

 

• 2014

Talking about life and death with the President of the National Museum of Funeral History – December 9, 2014

De todas las épocas y de todo el mundo – Semana News – November 2, 2014

Funeral museum scares up some Halloween fun – Houston Chronicle – October 28, 2014 

Funeral museum showcases the importance of what we do – October 2014

National Museum of Funeral History – Bing video April, 2014

 

• 2013

National Museum of Funeral History – Bing video October, 2013

 

• 2008

The Funeral Museum (Texas Country Reporter) – Bing video August, 2008

 

National Museum of Funeral History | , USA | Sights – Lonely 

Houston’s weirdest museum houses Abraham Lincoln’s hair and ‘fantasy coffins’

National Museum of Funeral History | , USA | Sights – Lonely Planet

Visit National Museum of Funeral History on your trip to Houston

Museum Of Funeral History, Houston | Ticket Price | Timings | Address: TripHobo

Roadtrippers Magazine

National Museum of Funeral History | Things To Do in Houston, TX

The Museum featured on Telemundo 39, reported by Enrique Teutelo Garcia

Freddy Cruz from 104.1 KRBE-FM interviews Museum President Genevieve Keeney

The Museum featured in RoadsideAmerica.com

Click the links below to save a high resolution version of each image.

Share your National Museum of Funeral History experience with peers and reflect on the ways that we honor the lives of others when we say goodbye. Discover moments in history, ancient and international cultures, and ponder important topics with a group of friends or members of your organization/club. The Museum’s 17 extensive exhibits feature topics that appeal to a wide variety of interests and age ranges. Click here to see a map of the museum layout.

FOR HISTORY BUFFS

• Presidential History: The Presidential Funerals exhibit covers all presidents from George Washington through Gerald R. Ford. A 30-45-minute presentation that provides a behind the scenes look into the planning of Presidential state funerals is available to groups, with at least four weeks advanced notice, based on availability of the presenters. The Abraham Lincoln displays within the exhibit, including a full scale recreation of President Lincoln lying in repose, an authentic mourning badge worn by a guest at his funeral in 1865, an exact replica of the Derringer pistol used by John Wilkes Booth in the president’s assassination and more, are of particular note, as 2015 marks the 150^th Anniversary of Lincoln’s death.

• Military History: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier exhibit and the Reflections on the Wall exhibit, which features the dedication of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., offer opportunities to connect with important eras in our nation’s history and remember our fallen heroes. Did you know there will never be another soldier buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier? Come to the Museum to learn why.

• History of Embalming: Explore the Ancient Egyptians’ early methods of preparing the dead for the afterlife and learn the origins of modern embalming as developed on the battlefields of the Civil War by Dr. Thomas Holmes, the “father of American Embalming,” within the History of Embalming exhibit.

FOR THE ONES WHO ARE ALWAYS IN THE GARAGE

• Evolution of the Vehicle: The Historical Hearses exhibit spans from horse-drawn carriages to hand-cranked models to gleaming vintage models from the heyday of motorized vehicles. Visitors will marvel the funeral cars manufactured by Cadillac, S&S Scoville, Ford, Mercedes, Rolls Royce, Henney and more, as well as the unique funeral bus designed for streets of San Francisco, the hearse used in Princess Grace of Monaco’s funeral, a flower car like the one used in the “Godfather” movies and more.

• Craftsmanship: The Coffins and Caskets of the Past exhibit features historic methods of working with wood and metals, including a recreation of a casket-building shop and a casket for three. Visitors can marvel the artistry of the Fantasy Coffins from Ghana exhibit, which features coffins from Ghana, West Africa, handcrafted into elaborate shapes and figures, as well as admire the delicate details of the hand carved wooden panels of several historic hearses throughout the Museum.

FOR SCIENCE LOVERS

• Chemistry/Biology/Anatomy: History of Embalming exhibit explains early embalming techniques as well as modern methods and introduces visitors to Dr. Thomas Holmes, the “father of American embalming,” and how he introduced embalming to our culture. The exhibit also covers Egyptian customs and the biological and chemical processes the body goes through immediately following the cessation of life.

FOR POP CULTURE AFICIONADOS, SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES, TRAVEL BUGS & WORDSMITHS

• Memorabilia from Past Leaders, Heroes and Celebrities: The Thanks for the Memories exhibit features iconic personalities and figures, highlighting the unifying bonds of popular culture. Visitors can take in tributes to celebrities, sports figures, world leaders, astronauts and historical events that still impact our lives today such as the Space Shuttle Challenger, Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, Steve Jobs and many more.

• Customs and Traditions from Around the World: Throughout the Museum, a variety of world cultures are highlighted, including the role of Rome and The Vatican throughout history within the extensive Celebrating the Lives & Deaths of the Popes exhibit, the meaning behind Dia de los Muertos traditions from Latin America, a rare horse-drawn carriage hearse from Germany, the spiritual beliefs of West Africa through the Fantasy Coffins from Ghana exhibit, embalming practices of Ancient Egypt in the History of Embalming exhibit, an elaborate funeral car from Japan and more.

• Social Customs: Visitors can discover the extensive rules of mourning etiquette practiced during the 1800s in the 19th Century Mourning exhibit, as well as why this is known as the Victorian age, even in American history. A Downton Abby fan’s delight!

• Vocabulary Enrichment: Boost your trivia knowledge! The Museum experience offers impactful comprehension of countless vocabulary words. Many exhibits offer insight into the origin of common phrases and how various objects got their names.

• Catholic Traditions and History: In the Celebrating the Lives & Deaths of the Popes exhibit, visitors can gain perspective on Catholic traditions through the centuries and get a pictorial and three-dimensional view of the customs and rituals of burying a pope, as well as details on Vatican City, the sovereign city-state within the Italian city of Rome. Currently, the Museum is working on an expansion of the papal exhibit, in collaboration with the Vatican, to feature the “Making of a Saint,” which follows the beatification and canonization of John Paul II and Paul XXIII and includes new artifacts from the April 2014 canonization ceremony in Rome. Stay tuned for information on the grand opening of this new section of the papal exhibit. Text within the exhibit appears in both English and Spanish. You may feel like you’ve traveled to Italy – no passport required!

Explore our Exhibits page and our Image Gallery for more insights and ideas.

At the Museum, families can share in the discovery of historical topics, ancient and international cultures, as well as ponder important topics as a family. Visiting the Museum as a family can be a life-enhancing experience for all generations offering many lasting life lessons. Families can journey through human history, science and culture by exploring the 17 extensive exhibits at the National Museum of Funeral History in Houston. The Museum’s exhibits are appropriate for ages 7 and older, feature topics that appeal to a wide variety of interests and age ranges, and are wheelchair and stroller accessible/friendly. Click here to see a map of the museum layout.

To add some fun to your experience, the Museum features two different scavenger hunt activities. One scavenger hunt encourages families to discover interesting facts from the history of the funeral industry, while a second helps families learn and brush up on the traditions of the Popes. Museum visitors who submit their completed (and correct!) scavenger hunt forms earn a one-time 10% discount on gift shop purchases.

FOR HISTORY BUFFS

• Presidential History: The Presidential Funerals exhibit covers all presidents from George Washington through Gerald R. Ford. A 30-45-minute presentation that provides a behind the scenes look into the planning of Presidential state funerals is available to groups, with at least four weeks advanced notice, based on availability of the presenters. The Abraham Lincoln displays within the exhibit, including a full scale recreation of President Lincoln lying in repose, an authentic mourning badge worn by a guest at his funeral in 1865, an exact replica of the Derringer pistol used by John Wilkes Booth in the president’s assassination and more, are of particular note, as 2015 marks the 150th Anniversary of Lincoln’s death.

• Military History: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier exhibit and the Reflections on the Wall exhibit offer opportunities for older generations to teach younger generations about important eras in our nation’s history, and instill respect for our fallen heroes. Did you know there will never be another soldier buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier? Come to the Museum to learn why.

• History of Embalming: Families can explore the Ancient Egyptians’ early methods of preparing the dead for the afterlife and learn the origins of modern embalming as developed on the battlefields of the Civil War within the History of Embalming exhibit.

FOR THE ONES WHO ARE ALWAYS IN THE GARAGE

• Evolution of the Vehicle: The Historical Hearses exhibit spans from horse-drawn carriages to hand-cranked models to gleaming vintage models from the heyday of motorized vehicles. Visitors will marvel the funeral cars manufactured by Cadillac, S&S Scoville, Ford, Mercedes, Rolls Royce, Henney and more, as well as the unique funeral bus designed for streets of San Francisco, the hearse used in Princess Grace of Monaco’s funeral and more.

• Craftsmanship: The Coffins and Caskets of the Past exhibit features historic methods of working with wood and metals, including a recreation of a casket-building shop. Visitors can marvel the artistry of the Fantasy Coffins from Ghana exhibit, which features coffins crafted into elaborate shapes and figures, as well as admire the delicate details of the hand carved wooden panels of several historic hearses throughout the Museum.

FOR SCIENCE LOVERS

• Chemistry/Biology/Anatomy: The History of Embalming exhibit explains early embalming techniques as well as modern methods and introduces visitors to Dr. Thomas Holmes, the “father of American embalming,” and how he introduced embalming to our culture. The exhibit also covers Egyptian customs, as well as the biological and chemical processes the body goes through immediately following the cessation of life.

FOR SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES, TRAVEL BUGS & WORDSMITHS

• Memorabilia from Past Leaders, Heroes and Celebrities: The Thanks for the Memories exhibit features iconic personalities and figures, highlighting the unifying bonds of popular culture. Visitors can take in tributes to celebrities, sports figures, world leaders, astronauts and historical events that still impact our lives today such as the Space Shuttle Challenger, Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, Steve Jobs and many more.

• Customs and Traditions from Around the World: Throughout the Museum, a variety of cultures of the world are highlighted, including the role of Rome and The Vatican throughout history within the extensive Celebrating the Lives and Deaths of the Popes exhibit, the meaning behind Dia de los Muertos traditions from Latin America, a rare horse-drawn carriage hearse from Germany, the spiritual beliefs of West Africa through the Fantasy Coffins of Ghana exhibit, embalming practices of Ancient Egypt in the History of Embalming exhibit, an elaborate funeral car from Japan and more.

• Social Customs: Visitors can discover the extensive rules of mourning etiquette practiced during the 1800s in the 19th Century Mourning exhibit, as well as why this is known as the Victorian age, even in American history.

• Vocabulary Enrichment: The Museum experience offers impactful comprehension of countless vocabulary words. Many exhibits offer insight into the origin of common phrases and how various objects got their names.

• Catholic Traditions and History: In the Celebrating the Lives and Deaths of the Popes exhibit, family members can gain perspective on Catholic traditions through the centuries and learn about the process of canonization (becoming a saint), as well as learn about Vatican City, the sovereign city-state within the Italian city of Rome. Text within this exhibit appears in both English and Spanish.

Explore our Exhibits pages and our Image Gallery for more insights and ideas.

Take your students on a journey through human history, science, and culture by exploring the 17 extensive exhibits at the National Museum of Funeral History in Houston. The Museum’s exhibits are appropriate for grade school students (ages 7 and older), middle schoolers, high school students, Catholic schools, Scared Straight programs/pre-prom/pre-homecoming programs, and trade school students (barber, cosmetology, wood working/craftsmen). The Museum also provides a powerful educational environment for college and university students, especially history, sociology, psychology and political science majors, as well as medical and nursing school students taking death and dying courses, grief counseling and other training. Click here to see a map of the museum layout.

EDUCATIONAL TOPICS WITHIN THE EXHIBITS

History/Government

• Presidential Topics: The Presidential Funerals exhibit covers all presidents from George Washington through Gerald R. Ford. Groups can schedule a 30-45 minute lecture providing a behind-the-scenes look into the planning of a Presidential state funeral. The Abraham Lincoln displays are of particular note, as 2015 marks the 150th Anniversary of Lincoln’s death.

• Military History: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier exhibit and the Reflections on the Wall exhibit give students important historical perspectives and teach respect for our fallen heroes. Did you know there will never be another soldier buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier? Come to the Museum to learn why.

• History of Embalming: Students can explore the Ancient Egyptians early methods of preparing the dead for the afterlife and learn the origins of modern embalming as developed on the battlefields of the Civil War within the History of Embalming exhibit.

Industry/Craftsmanship

• Evolution of the Vehicle: The Historical Hearses exhibit spans from horse-drawn carriages to hand-cranked models to motorized vehicles. Students will marvel the unique funeral bus designed for the streets of San Francisco, the hearse used in Princess Grace of Monaco’s funeral and more.

• Craftsmanship: The Coffins and Caskets of the Past exhibit features historic methods of working with wood and metals, including a recreation of a casket-building shop. Students can marvel the artistry of the Fantasy Coffins from Ghana exhibit, which features coffins crafted into elaborate shapes and figures, as well as admire the delicate details of the hand carved wooden panels of several historic hearses throughout the Museum.

Science through the Centuries

• Chemistry/Biology/Anatomy: The History of Embalming exhibit explains early embalming techniques as well as modern methods and introduces visitors to Dr. Thomas Holmes, the “father of American embalming,” and how he introduced embalming to our culture. The exhibit also covers Egyptian customs and the biological and chemical processes the body goes through immediately following the cessation of life.

Cultures, Social Customs & Language

• Memorabilia from Past Leaders, Heroes and Celebrities: The Thanks for the Memories exhibit features iconic personalities and figures, highlighting the unifying bonds of popular culture. Students can take in tributes to celebrities, sports figures, world leaders, astronauts and historical events that still impact our lives today such as the Space Shuttle Challenger, Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, Steve Jobs and many more.

• Customs and Traditions from Around the World: Throughout the Museum, students can learn about the cultures of the world, including the importance of Rome and The Vatican throughout history within the extensive Celebrating the Lives and Deaths of the Popes exhibit, the meaning behind Dia de los Muertos traditions from Latin America, a rare horse-drawn carriage hearse from Germany, the spiritual beliefs of West Africa through the Fantasy Coffins of Ghana exhibit, embalming practices of Ancient Egypt in the History of Embalming exhibit, an elaborate funeral car from Japan and more.

• Social Customs: Students can learn about the extensive rules of mourning etiquette practiced during the 1800s in the 19th Century Mourning exhibit, as well as why this is known as the Victorian age, even in American history.

• Vocabulary Enrichment: The Museum experience offers impactful comprehension of countless vocabulary words. After attending a workshop at the Museum, one Aldine ISD English teacher noted: a “vast array of vocabulary words can be found throughout the Museum.”

• Catholic Traditions and History: In the Celebrating the Lives and Deaths of the Popes exhibit, students can gain perspective on Catholic traditions through the centuries and discover the process of canonization, as well as learn about Vatican City, the sovereign city-state within the Italian city of Rome. Text within this exhibit appears in both English and Spanish.

Teachers and students have nothing to fear and everything to learn! Come see how our Museum can help enhance your curriculum. Explore our Exhibits pages and our Image Gallery for more insights and ideas.

A legal document called a “power of attorney” gives an individual the legal authority to make decisions for an incapacitated person. This type of document is usually drawn up before the person is incapacitated. The laws for creating a power of attorney vary from state to state, but there are certain general guidelines to follow. A power of attorney document may be drawn up to give a trusted friend or relative the authority to deal with only one particular issue (a specific power of attorney), or to handle most of the incapacitated person’s personal and financial matters (a general power of attorney).

The individual with power of attorney may be responsible for making financial decisions, monetary gifts, heath care decisions (including the ability to consent to giving, withholding, or stopping medical treatments, services, or diagnostic procedures), and recommending a guardian for the incapacitated person.

Often times, individuals will engage the services of an attorney or lawyer to draft a Power of Attorney document.

For more information refer to Caregivers Library.

Note: This page is for general information purposes. We recommend you seek the advice of an attorney for legal matters. Additionally, before you or a loved one signs any documents, be sure to consult with an attorney concerning all applicable laws and regulations.

DNRs and DNIs are legal orders that tell a health care team what measures a patient does not want to receive in the event of a life-threatening health crisis. DNR or “Do Not Resuscitate” means that no CPR (chest compressions, cardiac drugs, or placement of a breathing tube) will be performed. A DNI or “Do Not Intubate” order means that chest compressions and cardiac drugs may be used, but no breathing tube will be placed.

It’s best to discuss DNR and DNI orders and other end-of-life care issues with the patient’s health care team before a crisis occurs. You don’t need to have a formal advance directive or living will to have DNR and DNI orders in place. You can make your preferences known to your physician, who can write the orders and put them in your medical record. If you have a living will, however, be sure to mention whether you have a DNR or DNI order on record.

For further information: see the Mayo Clinic’s page on Advanced Directives.

Note: This page is for general information purposes. We recommend you seek the advice of an attorney for legal matters.

No matter what our beliefs, the fact is when humans die the body remains. In most cases, relatives and/or friends see to it the body is handled in the way the deceased had specified. There are a wide range of choices available today. Which option would you choose?

Embalming – A chemical process that delays decomposition of a deceased body and helps preserve the body for a period of time. In most cases, embalming is a choice, although in some states, the law requires embalming (check with your local and state laws). Often times, embalming is recommended in order to provide families the necessary time for burial and funeral preparation, including travel time for out of town family and friends. Embalming is also recommended, and in some cases required, for the body to travel long distance, such as to another state or another country, to its final resting place.

Traditional burial – A form of disposition where a body, either embalmed or not, is placed in a burial container such as a casket or coffin and then buried in the ground or placed in a mausoleum.

Green burial – Involves the deceased being placed (with no embalming) in a biodegradable casket or a shroud (cloth body wrapping), and then buried in a green cemetery or cemeteries with green sections, where the body naturally decays and returns to nature over time.

Cremation – Traditional, flame-based cremation requires heating the body to over 1600 degrees Fahrenheit and releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere during the heating process. A recent, more eco-friendly alternative is resomation, or bio-cremation, which uses water and only requires heating to 350 F. Cremation allows for ashes to be kept in an urn by a relative(s) or friend(s) or dispersed as mentioned below.

Options for cremated remains – After cremation, ashes are placed in an urn. Then, loved ones might opt to keep those cremated remains in their personal possession in the urn, bury the urn in the ground or have the urn placed in a niche in a columbarium or mausoleum. Portions of ashes can also be parceled out to friends and family members in a keepsake urn or jewelry, scattered in a special place, turned into diamonds or coral reefs, become fireworks, swirled into a glass keepsake and/or get flown into outer space. There are many options, not just one. For more information on cremation, visit www.cremationassociation.org.