FAQ's for
Allen county cremation
- Is the price quoted all-inclusive or are there additional fees I should expect?
A: With Allen County Cremation Service, the price is the price. There are no additional fees. Our price and deliverables are transparent and disclosed in our General Price List.
- Where will my loved one be taken and cared for prior to the cremation?
A: If you live in Indiana, they will be in the care of the Harper Funeral Home and if you live in Ohio, they will be in the care of the Hartman-Rousculp Funeral Home. Indiana law requires a waiting period of 24 hours postmortem before cremation can occur and Ohio requires 48 hours. These two firms are affiliates of Allen County cremation and have the facilities and expertise to accommodate these requirements and provide the dignity and care your loved ones deserve.
- Is embalming required for cremation?
A: Only if you intend to have public visitation or funeral services prior to the cremation. With Allen County Cremation, there are no public visitation services provided. The deceased are transported from the place of death, immediately cremated as soon as possible after the required waiting time and remains returned to the respective funeral home for the family to pick up. Therefore, embalming IS NOT required for our service.
- Do I need to come to your facility or one of the funeral homes to complete the paperwork?
A: No, many families prefer and appreciate the simplicity of our process. You can do everything online including payment via our website and from the comfort of your home.
- Can my loved one be viewed prior to cremation?
A: Both Indiana and Ohio require positive identification be made during the waiting period and prior to cremation. A picture will be taken of your loved one and sent to you for verification. Should you desire a viewing for family members, those services can be provided and arranged with one of the funeral homes at an additional cost. Please call or visit the website of either Harper Funeral Home or Hartman-Rousculp Funeral home for complete information, pricing and details.
- How does the cremation process work?
A: The legal next of kin must authorize the cremation by signing a cremation authorization form. Our staff prepares the death certificate and obtains all the necessary permits. Once all documentation is completed and approved by the physician, health department and medical examiner, the cremation can be scheduled.
- How long does it take to receive the cremated remains?
A: While timelines can vary per obtaining the required approvals, most cremations are completed and returned within 10-14 business days for the majority of families we serve.
- Can you help with placing an obituary?
A: Yes, we place an obituary on our website, and it is included in our price. Obits placed in newspapers or other media sources are the responsibility of the family. Many of these commonly exceed $500 while our online option is free.
- Is placing an obituary in the newspaper required by law or otherwise?
A: No, publishing an obituary in a newspaper is entirely optional.
- Can I meet with someone in person to make arrangements?
A: By minimizing staff involvement, Allen County Cremation can provide low-cost prices and efficient, dignified services. Therefore, all arrangements for Allen County Cremation are made online. You may always contact or meet with someone at either funeral home and they will assist you with any services you desire and the associated costs.
- How long does the cremation itself take?
A: The cremation process typically takes 2-3 hours. Additional time may be needed afterward to process and prepare the remains for return to the family.
- Are there any additional purchases required?
A: No, Allen County Cremation provides a choice of 3 additional urns and some tribute jewelry should a family prefer but the minimum necessary merchandise to facilitate the cremation is included in the price.
- What role does a funeral director play?
A: Indiana and Ohio both require by law that a licensed funeral director be involved in the handling, preparation, planning and coordination of all the aspects of disposition whether cremation or burial.
- Can I take the cremated remains home?
A: Yes, you may. You will pick up the remains at the respective funeral home in your area. The container provided is sufficient to do that. Should you choose to place on a mantle, shelf or other space in the home where the container is visible, you may want a more decorative urn beyond the Basic Box. Before scattering, burying or pursuing other options for the remains, please consult with the funeral director for local laws and regulations.
- What happens during the cremation process?
A: The minimum alternative container and body are placed into the cremation chamber which reaches a temperature of between 1,400- and 1,800-degrees Fahrenheit. The process is usually complete within 2-3 hours. Afterwards, the remaining bone fragments are reduced to fine particles and placed in the Basic Box or Urn selected by the family. A strict identification and chain of custody protocol is maintained throughout the process. Allen County Cremation uses only certified cremation operators to perform this process.