Issue 24.13
Until now, you’ve probably never heard of renting a casket. The idea may sound a bit strange at first. The purpose of a rental casket is to allow family and friends the opportunity to pay their final respects to the deceased prior to cremation. Renting a casket provides a significant savings as opposed to purchasing a casket.
The rental casket consists of two parts – an outer shell and an interior fiberboard container. The outer shell is made from solid oak and looks just like a wooden casket. This shell is the portion of the rental that is reused by other families. The interior fiberboard container fits inside the outer shell and has a satin lining and pillow, thus appearing like the interior of any traditional casket. Following the viewing and funeral service, the interior unit is removed from the outer shell and is cremated with the body. A new interior unit is provided each time the casket is selected for rental.
As you begin to plan for cremation, it is important to remember that you are not just planning for yourself. You are making arrangements and decisions that will greatly affect your loved ones. Some individuals are comfortable with direct cremation, or cremation without any type of service. However, many families desire to pay their respects prior to cremation and bring family and friends together at a gathering or a funeral service in honor of their loved one. A service can be simple or elaborate, religious or secular. The single most important concept to remember when planning a service is to make it personal and meaningful. A meaningful service will help facilitate the grieving process. Options abound with cremation, and a rental casket is just one of the many ideas you may want to consider.
The Cremation Center of Southern Utah is designed exclusively for those choosing cremation. We offer many choices and options and will guide you and your family through this important process. To receive a free copy of a Personal Planning Guide to Cremation, please stop by our office just of Riverside Dr., at 1316 S. 400 E., St. George, UT, or call us at (435) 986-9100.
W. Russell Atkin is a Licensed Funeral Director and an owner of the Cremation Center of Southern Utah.