Frequently Asked Questions

- WHAT IS CREMATION?

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

- WHAT IS AN URN?

An urn is a container in which cremated remains are permanently held. Choices range from a simple box to a wide selection of decorative metal, wood, ceramic or glass containers.

- HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE UNTIL THE REMAINS ARE READY FOR PICKUP?

One of the ways we keep our services affordable is by allowing more flexibility in scheduling. From the time you first alert us, you should allow about two weeks for us to complete the process. We will contact you when your urn is available for pickup. Or if you prefer, we can mail it to you. If you need faster delivery, the process can be accelerated for a slight fee. Please call us for details.

- HOW QUICKLY WILL I RECEIVE THE DEATH CERTIFICATE?

Death certificates are handled by the county. It usually takes about 14 days after the paperwork is submitted to the county for death certificates to be mailed.

- IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A FINAL VISITATION BEFORE CREMATION?

Yes. It is not a memorial service, but an opportunity for family and close friends to say a final goodbye. This may last up to fifteen minutes and can accommodate up to five people.

- HOW CAN I BE SURE I’M RECEIVING MY LOVED ONE’S CREMATED REMAINS BACK?

Lucy's staff follows strict guidelines. All identification is carefully checked when removal is made from the place of death. This process is witnessed by an employee of the hospital, nursing home, medical examiner’s office or a family member present at the home or place of removal.An identification band is attached around the ankle of the deceased. Before leaving, each person checks all existing paperwork and the identification tag.At the crematory, a stainless steel identification disc is assigned and placed with the body at the actual time of cremation. The disc stays with your loved one throughout the cremation process. After the cremation is completed, the identification disc is placed in the urn with the cremated remains.

- IS THERE ANY SPECIAL PREPARATION REQUIRED PRIOR TO CREMATION?

Any special mementos, such as jewelry, will be destroyed during the cremation process. Anything you wish to keep should be removed before your loved one is transferred into our care. Other metals, such as prosthesis, are removed and recycled after the cremation is complete.

It is essential that pacemakers and other medical devices are removed before cremation. It’s also important to notify us of any other implanted medical devices. The device may rupture when subjected to high temperature, which can be hazardous to crematory staff and equipment.

- WHAT IF I WANT A MEMORIAL SERVICE?

For many people, a memorial service is often a celebration of life, and it can take place with or without the cremated remains present. Many families who select cremation find they have more options and flexibility when it comes to service offerings.

- WHAT CAN BE DONE WITH THE CREMATED REMAINS?

You have many choices. The cremated remains can be buried in a cemetery, kept at home, scattered on private property, or scattered at sea at least 3 miles offshore. For those who want to scatter ashes, but who don’t have either the means or location preference, you can select a mantle or table in your home.  Decorative Urns can add beauty to any room.  Check with Lucy Mortuary and Cremation at 817-919-5050 to make an Urn selection from their selection of Urns.