Mark Loose stands next to an ossuary where families can leave cremated remains of loved ones as a place for permanent closure in the future. Ken de la Bastide | The Herald Bulletin
ANDERSON — More families are electing to have loved ones cremated as compared to a traditional burial because of the cost factor.
A study by the National Funeral Directors Association found that 60% of deaths in 2023 resulted in cremations. That number is expected to increase to 80% by 2035.
The NFDA said the average cost of a cremation including a funeral service is $6,970 as compared to a traditional service and burial at a cost of $9,420.
During the month of July, Loose Funeral Homes in Anderson is allowing families to place cremated ashes of their loved ones into an ossuary at no cost in the Gardens of Willow Crest Park.
Funeral director Mark Loose said family members can have the remains of a loved one placed in the ossuary as a place of remembrance.
He said families can have the name of the deceased placed on a plaque at a cost of $382, or on a paving stone at a cost of $446.
He said family members can have a memorial service or celebration of life service when the ashes are placed in the ossuary.
“Cremations are becoming more popular,” Loose said. “One of the leading reasons is the cost.”
Other factors cited in the NFDA study were a decline in church attendance — leading many families to forego traditional services — and increased mobility. With more family members living greater distances apart, the logistics of funeral planning have become more complicated.
“Some of it is the change in society,” Loose said. “People are moving around the country and the concern what happens to the remains over the years.”
He said a burial transit permit is required to have remains placed in the ossuary.
The permit is needed to obtain a death certificate from the local health department.
Noah Bozell, senior vice president of Bozell Funeral Homes, said there has been an increase in the number of cremations in recent years.
“People still want some type of service for closure, whether it be a memorial service of celebration of life,” he said. “We work with families all the time and assist with the burial of cremated remains in a traditional cemetery setting.
“There is an increase in the popularity of cremations because it is less expensive,” Bozell added.
He said most of the major cemeteries in Madison County have facilities for the placement of urns. “It’s a place where families can get closure and still have somewhere to remember a loved one over the years,” he said.
Bozell said they have thought about opening a cemetery since their business has expanded to include a number of funeral homes in the area.
An employee of Keller Mortuary Services said cremations there have increased in recent years, with cost being a significant factor.
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