More and more people are selecting cremation because it allows the funeral or memorial service to be held in the future when it may be more convenient for relatives and friends to come together. Families may choose to have a funeral service before the cremation, a memorial service at the time of cremation, a service after the cremation with the urn present, or a service when the remains are escorted to their final resting place.

When a funeral home does not have an on-site crematorium, it is necessary to transport your loved one to another location. Because Stauffer Funeral Homes is the only full-service funeral home in Frederick County that owns and operates its own crematorium, we are able to manage and supervise every detail of the process ourselves. You can be assured that your loved one never leaves our care.

It is normal and natural to have questions and concerns about the cremation process. These are the steps that our licensed staff always follow before, during and after a cremation at Stauffer crematory.  

Safeguarding Your Loved One’s Identity 
A personal identification band is placed on your loved one when they are transferred to our care. We follow your loved one closely throughout the process using this identification number. It includes the date and time of arrival at our facility, and the names of the individuals in charge of the process. Any personal belongings are catalogued and placed in a secure area for return to the family.

Family Identification
Once our staff bathes and dresses your loved one, you and your family may have some private final moments with your loved one.

The Process
Your loved one is taken to the cremation chamber where their name, personal identification number, and the date and time of cremation are noted. A licensed cremation technician and a funeral home staff member review all the cremation paperwork. Once all documentation is verified, both staff members sign the cremation order prior to the cremation. The cremation technician dates and initials the log, and indicates the time the process begins and ends. 

After the Cremation
After the cremation is complete, the cremated remains are placed along with the identification information into an urn. The identification card is placed in our permanent files.

Return of the Remains
Our staff will notify you to schedule a time for receipt of the cremated remains. At this time, we will provide a dignified setting in which to receive the urn where you may spend a few private moments, in quiet reflection.

Celebration of Life
Either before or after the cremation, we will assist you in planning a funeral or memorial service to celebrate and commemorate your loved one’s life. A meaningful ceremony provides an opportunity for family and friends to pay tribute to your loved one, and to share the memories of a lifetime.