Cremation Options
Ralph Torres • September 9, 2025
Cremation Options at Torres Mortuary
At Torres Mortuary, we understand that families seek meaningful and personal ways to honor their loved ones. Cremation offers a variety of options that can be tailored to meet spiritual, cultural, and family preferences. Below, we outline the different cremation choices available so you can make the decision that best reflects your family’s wishes.
1. Direct Cremation with No Formal Services
This is the simplest and most economical option. The cremation takes place without a formal viewing, identification, or funeral services. Families who wish for privacy or a straightforward process often choose this path.
2. Direct Cremation with Traditional Viewing or Services
A. Viewing or Service Before Cremation
Families may choose to hold a traditional service or visitation at a church or chapel before cremation. This is typically done with the use of a rental casket, giving family and friends an opportunity to gather, view, and honor the deceased before cremation takes place.
B. Memorial Service with Urn Present
Another option is to hold a memorial service after cremation. The urn is present, often accompanied by a portrait, memorial poster, or other personal tributes. The body is not present—only the ashes—yet this type of service provides a meaningful way to celebrate a life lived.
3. Cremation with Ash Scattering at Sea
A. Private Family Scattering
Many families choose to scatter ashes at sea, surrounded by loved ones and clergy on a chartered boat. By law, scattering must take place at least three miles offshore. This private and intimate experience allows families to return their loved one to nature in a serene setting.
B. Non-Witness Scattering
For families who prefer not to be present, we also offer direct scattering at sea handled by our staff.
4. Cremation with Burial at a Local Cemetery
Cremated remains can be buried in a cemetery of your choice. This option provides a permanent resting place where family and friends may visit for years to come.
5. Ashes Kept at Home
Some families choose to bring their loved one’s ashes home, keeping them in an urn placed on a mantel or other meaningful place. In some traditions, keeping ashes in the home also holds religious or spiritual significance.
Important Note: Disposition Permits
For any cremation disposition—whether burial, scattering, or keeping the urn at home—a disposition permit is required from the local health department. Our staff at Torres Mortuary will guide you through this process and ensure all requirements are handled with care and professionalism.
Compassion and Guidance Every Step of the Way
Choosing a cremation option is a deeply personal decision. At Torres Mortuary, we are here to walk with you, explain every detail, and help create a service that truly honors the life of your loved one.
Custom Funeral Services at Torres Mortuary Every life is unique, and every farewell deserves to reflect that uniqueness. At Torres Mortuary, we believe funeral services should be more than a ceremony—they should be a meaningful tribute that celebrates the personality, values, culture, and traditions of your loved one. That’s why we offer custom funeral services designed to honor life in a way that feels authentic and memorable. Why Choose a Custom Funeral Service? Custom services allow families to personalize every detail, creating an atmosphere that truly represents their loved one’s life. Whether it’s incorporating favorite music, displaying treasured photos, or creating themed memorials, personalization makes the service more meaningful and healing for everyone involved. Ways to Personalize a Service 1. Religious and Cultural Traditions We can incorporate rituals, prayers, or symbolic gestures that reflect your family’s faith or heritage. From Catholic masses to cultural customs, our team ensures that these sacred traditions are respected and honored. 2. Memorial Displays Personal items such as photographs, awards, hobbies, or even a favorite outfit can be displayed to share your loved one’s story. These elements help family and friends connect with memories and celebrate the individual’s life journey. 3. Custom Products We provide a variety of memorial products, including: Prayer cards with personalized images or scriptures Register books designed around themes or religious icons Customized caskets and casket panels or urns that reflect personal or cultural identity 4. Music and Readings From favorite hymns to meaningful poems, music and readings can capture the essence of your loved one’s spirit. Families often find these touches to be some of the most comforting and memorable parts of a service. 5. Unique Themes For some families, honoring passions like sports, music, or even a favorite flower can make the service deeply personal. These small details can turn the funeral into a celebration of life rather than just a goodbye. Our Commitment to You At Torres Mortuary, our caring team will guide you through the process of creating a service that balances tradition with personal touches. We believe every family deserves the opportunity to say goodbye in a way that is heartfelt, comforting, and unique. Torres Mortuary — Your Life, Your Legacy, Your Funeral, Your Way™.
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Celebrity Themed Funeral Services at Torres Mortuary At Torres Mortuary, we believe every life tells a story worth celebrating. For families wishing to honor their loved one in a unique and memorable way, celebrity themed funeral services offer a chance to reflect the passions, personalities, and inspirations that shaped their lives. Celebrating a Life Inspired by Celebrity Icons Many of us grew up admiring beloved celebrities whose talents brought us joy, laughter, or comfort. Incorporating these icons into a funeral or memorial service can create a deeply personal tribute, especially when your loved one shared a special connection with them. For example, Lucille Ball , the legendary actress and comedian, continues to inspire generations with her humor and timeless legacy from I Love Lucy. A themed service celebrating Lucille Ball could be filled with joyful memories, a sense of laughter, and the spirit of someone who loved comedy, television history, or classic Hollywood. Ideas for a Lucille Ball Themed Service Photo & Memory Displays : Showcase a collage of your loved one alongside classic photos of Lucille Ball, creating a visual reminder of the joy they both brought into the world. Music & Video Tributes : Play episodes, clips, or theme songs from I Love Lucy during the reception or memorial slideshow. Color Themes : Use Lucille’s signature red, black, and white tones in floral arrangements, programs, or decorations to reflect her iconic look. Story Sharing : Encourage family and friends to share stories of how your loved one, like Lucille, always brought laughter and joy into their lives. Celebrity Lookalikes : We find you celebrity lookalikes to add a fun and special touch to the service, helping bring your chosen theme to life in a tasteful and respectful way. Beyond Lucille Ball: Personalizing Your Celebrity Tribute Whether your loved one admired actors, musicians, athletes, or other cultural figures, we can help create a themed service that captures their unique inspirations. From sports teams to musical legends, Torres Mortuary works with families to design services that truly reflect the life being honored. Compassionate Guidance We know that planning a funeral is never easy. Our team at Torres Mortuary is here to support you every step of the way. If your loved one was inspired by a celebrity like Lucille Ball—or any other iconic figure—we will help you create a service that is as memorable and meaningful as the life they lived.
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Can Ashes Be Separated? When a loved one is cremated, families often find comfort in keeping their memory close through cremation urns, keepsakes, or jewelry. A common question we hear is: “Can ashes be separated into more than one urn or keepsake?” The short answer is yes—but there are important legal and procedural steps you should know about before making this decision. Why Families Choose to Separate Ashes Many families wish to share cremated remains among multiple loved ones. This can mean: Dividing ashes into smaller urns for siblings, children, or parents. Placing a portion of ashes in keepsake jewelry or small keepsake urns. Creating a meaningful memorial in different locations—for example, one urn in the family home and another buried or placed in a columbarium. Legal Requirements for Separation While the desire is understandable, it’s important to know that separating ashes is not just a personal choice—it requires a separate permit. Each container, whether it’s a full-size urn, a keepsake urn, or a piece of cremation jewelry, must be accounted for by law. This ensures that every portion of remains is properly documented and handled with dignity and respect. Cremation Permit : Issued by the local authority, this document allows for cremation and outlines how remains are to be handled. Disposition Permits : If ashes are to be placed in multiple urns or keepsakes, additional permits must be obtained for each. This legal safeguard ensures transparency and protects families when transporting or memorializing remains. What Families Should Do If you are considering separating ashes, here’s what to keep in mind: Discuss with your funeral director. They will guide you through the necessary paperwork and permits. Decide how ashes will be divided. Plan ahead which family members will receive keepsakes or urns. Secure permits in advance. This avoids delays and ensures everything is done legally and respectfully. The Importance of Doing It Right Separating ashes can be a beautiful way of honoring a loved one across multiple households or memorial settings. However, it’s equally important to follow the proper legal process to avoid complications later. By obtaining the required permits, families can ensure their loved one’s remains are cared for with the highest level of dignity. Torres Mortuary
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Losing a loved one is never easy. Along with the emotions and grief, families are often faced with an overwhelming amount of paperwork. One of the most important documents you will need during this time is the death certificate. Many families wonder: What exactly are death certificates used for, and how many do I really need? What Is a Death Certificate? A death certificate is an official government document that records the date, time, location, and cause of death. It serves as legal proof that a person has passed away. In most cases, the funeral home can assist you in requesting certified copies directly. Funeral directors work with these documents often and can guide you through the process. Alternatively, you can request them from your state or county’s vital records office. You will need to provide identification and documentation that confirms your relationship to your loved one. Why Are Death Certificates Needed? Death certificates are required in a wide range of legal, financial, and personal matters. Here are the most common situations: 1. Insurance Claims Life insurance, health insurance, and burial or funeral insurance companies will all require certified copies before releasing benefits. Having these documents early can help cover funeral expenses and other costs. 2. Burial or Cremation (Final Disposition) Cemeteries and crematories cannot move forward with final arrangements without an official death certificate. 3. Asset Transfers From cars to homes, a death certificate is needed to legally transfer titles and property ownership. 4. Bank and Financial Accounts Banks and financial institutions will require a death certificate before closing or transferring accounts, including savings, checking, and investment accounts. 5. Retirement Benefits 401(k) plans, pensions, and other retirement income sources also require certified copies to process benefits or transfer them to a surviving spouse or beneficiary. 6. Legal or Medical Investigations If a death occurs under unusual or suspicious circumstances, government officials may use the death certificate for investigations. Updates to the cause of death can be made if needed. 7. Taxes One final federal and state tax return must be filed for your loved one. A death certificate is required to complete this process. How Many Death Certificates Should You Order? While every situation is unique, most families need 10–20 certified copies . Some may require fewer, but it is always better to have extra on hand. Plan ahead: Review your loved one’s estate, assets, and accounts to estimate how many certified copies you will need. Keep a few spares: Order at least two to three more than you think you’ll need. These can be helpful in case of unexpected requirements. Ask your funeral director: If you’re uncertain, your funeral director can recommend the right number of copies based on your circumstances. Torres Mortuary Is Here to Help At Torres Mortuary, we understand how overwhelming this process can be. Our caring team is here to guide you through each step, from obtaining certified copies of death certificates to handling the many details that follow a loss. If you have questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to make sure you and your family feel supported every step of the way.