Blog | Cremation Center of Southern Utah

The Right to Authorize Cremation

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT

If you were to pass away tomorrow, who would have the legal right to authorize your cremation? The answer may surprise you. Utah law requires that a legal document, called a cremation authorization form, be completed and signed by an individual with the proper authority. This form must be signed before cremation can take place. A hierarchy of persons legally authorized and responsible to determine the control of disposition has been set forth according to Utah State Code. In other words, there is a legal order of persons that can and will be recognized to make your final arrangements. All parties involved must be at least 18 years of age and mentally competent. The following is the order of succession:

1.) A person designated in a written instrument. This written instrument must contain specific information and be witnessed by two unrelated individuals. This does not include individuals granted power of attorney. Power of attorney ceases upon death.

2.) The surviving legally recognized spouse.

3.) The sole surviving child, or the majority of multiple children.

4.) The surviving parents, each of whom have equal rights.

5.) The majority of surviving siblings.

6.) The next degree of kinship in descending order, which includes grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc.

7.) A public official charged with arranging for disposition.

8.) Any other person(s) willing to assume responsibility.

As you may imagine, certain family dynamics create interesting situations for funeral directors. Some of the most common disagreements that occur among family members include situations that involve common law marriages, second marriages, estranged children, step-children, family members that cannot agree, and incomplete information in a will or trust. The death of a loved one is an emotional experience and can bring out the best or the worst in family members.

What can be done to alleviate these types of issues? The answer is quite simple – authorize your own cremation in advance. Preplanning allows you to enjoy peace of mind knowing that the burden of making difficult decisions will not be on the shoulders of your loved ones. Preplanning is easy and only takes about one hour.

Please visit The Cremation Center of Southern Utah today to begin this important process and receive your free Cremation Planning Guide. We are located just off Riverside Dr. at 1316 S. 400 E., Ste. A5, St. George, or call (435) 986-9100.

Traveling With Cremated Remains

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Here are a few top tips for traveling with cremated remains, commonly referred to as “ashes,” via commercial airline:

– Cremated remains should be stored in a non-metallic urn so that they can be X-rayed by airline security.

– Place the urn in your carry-on bag rather than in checked luggage. Don’t trust the airline with something so important!

– Carry the cremation permit with you. This document will get you through TSA security. You will be provided with this important document by the funeral home when the cremated remains are released to you.

– If you are transporting the urn to another country, have the funeral home check into the requirements of that country. The funeral home will then provide you with any further documentation that may be required.

We’re your local cremation experts. Contact us with your questions at (435) 986-9100. The Cremation Center of Southern Utah is located at 1316 S. 400 E., Ste. A5, St. George, Utah.

Lessons Learned from Sam McGee

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 09:00:00 GMT

There are strange things done in the midnight sun

By the men who moil for gold;

The Arctic trails have their secret tales

That would make your blood run cold;

The Northern Lights have seen queer sights,

But the queerest they ever did see

Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge

I cremated Sam McGee.

Robert W. Service’s poem “The Cremation of Sam McGee” tells the tale of two gold miners in the Yukon and one man’s “last request.” When I was in middle school, I was assigned to memorize a few of its stanzas. The unique subject matter caught my attention, and it’s a poem that an eighth-grade boy actually finds interesting. As he lay dying, Sam asked his friend “to swear that, foul or fair, you’ll cremate my last remains.” Sam hated the cold, and he is later discovered sitting up enjoying his own cremation.

I’ve never seen anything quite that unusual in my crematory, but for me, the poem has a deeper meaning. Sam’s friend went through quite an ordeal to fulfill his last request, traveling through frigid temperatures until he found a suitable place to cremate his friend, for “a promise made is a debt unpaid.”

How can you ensure that your final wishes will be respected? In today’s world, you don’t need an amazing friend willing to carry you across the frozen tundra. The answer is quite simple – authorize your own cremation in advance. Pre-planning allows you to enjoy peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be honored. We keep pre-planning simple, and we’ll help you select the options that are right for you and your family.

The Cremation Center of Southern Utah is located just off Riverside Dr. at 1316 S. 400 E., Ste. A5, St. George. Contact us today at (435) 986-9100.

Submitted by W. Russell Atkin, Licensed Funeral Director/Owner

Thanksgiving and Grief

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 09:00:00 GMT

The Thanksgiving holiday can be tremendously difficult for those mourning the loss of a loved one.

Veterans Who Choose to be Cremated

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Veterans who choose to be cremated are entitled to benefits for the burial of cremated remains.

Available at no cost to the family, Veterans burial benefits include a gravesite or niche space for the cremated remains in any of the 157 national cemeteries, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a headstone/grave marker, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.

A Veteran is also entitled to an honor guard consisting of service members (retired or active duty) that fold and present the flag, play taps, and occasionally perform a gun salute.

We are honored to serve our Veterans. Please contact us at (435) 986-9100 for more information.

“Tree of Life” Memorial Tree Planting Program

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Arbor Day will be celebrated this year on Friday, April 25 – a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant trees and enjoy the outdoors. Our Tree of Life Memorial Tree Planting Program is a unique offering that combines the significance of Arbor Day and the remembrance of a loved one.

When funeral or cremation arrangements are made with Serenity Funeral Home or the Cremation Center of Southern Utah, provisions are made to plant a tree in honor of the deceased in Southern Utah’s Dixie National Forest. This program is in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service Department of Agriculture. Since its inception, we have facilitated the planting of over 4,100 trees. Our desire is to provide a living and lasting memorial in remembrance of your loved one. You will also be provided with a tree planting certificate honoring your loved one.

This program was born out of a desire to serve and give back to our community. Trees are a majestic and brilliant reminder of life and vitality, and they serve our environment in numerous ways. They provide beauty, oxygen, and help clean the air. Trees help prevent water pollution, soil erosion, and provide a habitat for animals. They have also been proven to be natural healers – studies have shown that hospital patients with views of trees outside their windows heal faster and with less complications. Planting trees today will help ensure flourishing forests for generations to come.

By planting groves of trees, it is our hope to provide a measure of comfort to survivors grieving the loss of a loved one. May their presence bring you peace as their branches reach heavenward. May their grandeur benefit our world for generations to come.

Please stop by our office for more information on our Tree of Life Memorial Tree Planting Program. We are located just off Riverside Drive at 1316 S. 400 E., St. George, UT, or contact us at (435) 986-9100.

Submitted by W. Russell Atkin, Funeral Director/Owner

The History of Cremation

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Are you curious about the history of cremation? The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) offers an informative online article on this subject. The following are a few points of interest:

– Scholars generally agree that cremation began during the early Stone Age – somewhere around 3000 B.C.

– The early Romans embraced cremation sometime around 600 B.C. Cremation apparently became so popular that an official decree had to be issued midway through the fifth century against the cremation of bodies within the city.

– By the time of the Roman Empire, cremation was widely practiced. Cremated remains were usually stored in elaborate urns.

– In North America, cremation got its official start in 1876 when Dr. Julius LeMoyne built the first crematory in Washington, PA.

– In 1884, the second crematory opened in Lancaster, PA, and was owned and operated by a cremation society.

– Other forces tied to early crematory openings were Protestant clergy (who desired to reform burial practices), and medical professionals (who were concerned with health conditions in cemeteries).

– Around the country, early crematories commenced operations in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Detroit, and Los Angeles. By 1900, there were 20 crematories in operation within the United States.

– In 1913, Dr. Hugo Erichsen founded the Cremation Association of North America (CANA). In the same year, 52 crematories were in operation, and over 10,000 cremations were performed in North America.

– CANA reports a 60.6% cremation rate in the United States in 2023. They predict a national cremation rate of 75% as early as 2038.

We’re your local cremation experts. Contact us with any questions at (435) 986-9100.

Submitted by Larry L. Hansen, Owner/Licensed Funeral Director

Source:

https://www.cremationassociation.org/historyofcremation.html

Regrets of the Dying

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 09:00:00 GMT

If you were to pass away today, would you have regrets? Vacations that were never taken, words that were left unspoken, or tasks that were left undone? Bronnie Ware is the author of the critically acclaimed book, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing.

Ms. Ware worked on and off in palliative care for eight years and sat at the bedside of the dying. She notes that common themes began to surface when her patients were questioned about their lives. Ms. Ware began to take notes and identified their top five regrets.

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

Ms. Ware states, “This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled.”

2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.

Ms. Ware continues, “This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.”

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.

“Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming.”

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

“Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.”

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

“This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice.”

Living life to the fullest and regret free is a concept we can all get behind. As Ms. Ware profoundly states on her blog, “Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.”

The Cremation Center of Southern Utah is located just off Riverside Drive at 1316 S. 400 E., St. George, UT, (435) 986-9100. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @CremationCenterSU.

Submitted by Larry L. Hansen, Licensed Funeral Director/Owner

Halloween Safety

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 09:00:00 GMT

Halloween is upon us – one of the most fun and exciting times of the year, especially for families! It’s a day filled with delicious treats, cute costumes for the kids, spooky decorations, and trick-or-treating.

To ensure a safe and happy haunting for all, here are a few top safety tips for drivers:

– Watch out for children walking in dark clothing

– Take extra precaution entering and exiting your driveway

– Look out for children on roadways, medians, and curbs

And for parents with little witches and warlocks haunting the streets, here are a few top trick-or-treating safety tips:

– Always accompany young children around the neighborhood

– Tell older children to remain in a group and stay in communication with you

– Avoid homemade treats and inspect all candy before it’s consumed

– Only go to well-lit homes

– Do not enter any homes or cars for treats

For a complete guide to Halloween safety, please visit the link below, provided by The Pioneer Woman.

https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/holidays-celebrations/a44347655/halloween-trick-or-treating-safety/

The Cremation Center of Southern Utah is designed exclusively for those choosing cremation. V isit us at 1316 S. 400 E., Ste. A5, St. George, or call (435) 986-9100. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @CremationCenterSU

Submitted by Larry L. Hansen, Licensed Funeral Director/Owner

Renting a Casket

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:00:00 GMT

If you wish to be cremated, did you know that it’s possible to rent a casket? Renting a casket is a convenient option if you’d like to have a viewing and/or funeral service prior to cremation and allows family and friends the opportunity to pay their final respects to the deceased. Renting a casket provides significant savings as opposed to purchasing a casket.

The rental casket consists of two parts – an outer shell and an interior fiberboard insert. The outer shell is made from wood or metal and looks just like a regular casket. The outer shell is the portion of the rental that is reused. The insert fits inside the outer shell and contains a lining and a pillow. It appears just like the interior of any traditional casket.

Following the viewing and/or funeral service, the insert is removed from the outer shell and is cremated with the body. A new insert is provided each time the casket is selected for rental.

As you begin planning 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. Many families desire to pay their respects to the deceased and bring family and friends together at a gathering or funeral service in honor of their loved one prior to cremation. A well-planned 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. To receive a free copy of our Personal Planning Guide to Cremation, please stop by our office just off Riverside Dr. at 1316 S. 400 E., St. George, UT, or call us at (435) 986-9100. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @CremationCenterSU.

Submitted by W. Russell Atkin, Licensed Funeral Director/Owner

Death and Taxes

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 09:00:00 GMT

On November 13, 1789, founding father Benjamin Franklin wrote a letter that included what many believe to be his last great quote, “Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”

Although the concept of pairing death and taxes certainly existed prior to this writing, the publication of Franklin’s papers in 1817 catapulted the statement to the forefront of American pop culture.

Once we reach adulthood, taxes are a constant in our lives, whether we’re paying sales tax at the grocery store, filing quarterly tax reports, or meeting with our favorite CPA each spring. Death, on the other hand, seems to touch our lives less frequently, but certainly more dramatically.

Statistically, the average adult will be responsible for making final arrangements for a loved one approximately 1.6 times during their lifetime. They will typically be in their 50s when this responsibility first presents itself and will likely be making arrangements for a parent.

Death is an inevitability that will touch us all. As such, wise individuals prepare for this event by having open conversations with their loved ones and taking the time to plan ahead with a funeral home. Pre-planning allows you to detail your wishes in writing and participate in all of the decisions that need to be made, such as purchasing a plot in the cemetery of your choice or designing a headstone.

As you begin the pre-planning process, 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.

Whether you’re blindsided by an unexpected death or ready to pre-plan for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to help. Contact us today to begin this important process.

The Cremation Center of Southern Utah is located at 1316 S. 400 E., Ste. A3, in St. George. Call us at (435) 986-9100, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @CremationCenterSU.

Submitted by W. Russell Atkin, Licensed Funeral Director/Owner

Benjamin Franklin Source:

https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/benjamin-franklins-last-great-quote-and-the-constitution

Coping with Grief During the Holidays

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 09:00:00 GMT

The popular Christmas carol “Silver Bells” begins, “Christmas makes you feel emotional. It may bring parties or thoughts devotional. Whatever happens or what may be, here is what Christmastime means to me.” For those dealing with the loss of a loved one, the celebration of the holiday season can be very emotional and highly difficult. What is the best way to cope with grief during the holidays?

Amy Goyer wrote an excellent piece for AARP website entitled, “Dealing with Grief During the Holiday Season.” Ms. Goyer writes that the holiday season can magnify a sense of loss and mourning, but that family gatherings and seasonal events can continue to be comforting rituals. Here are a few of her suggestions:

– Only do what feels right. It’s up to you to decide which activities, traditions, or events you can handle. Don’t feel obligated to participate in anything that doesn’t feel comfortable.

– Accept your feelings, whatever they might be. Everyone takes his or her own path in grief and mourning. However you feel, accept it. And accept the inevitable ups and downs.

– Call on your family and friends. Talk with loved ones about your emotions. Be honest about how you’d like to do things this year.

– Focus on the kids. Think of your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or neighborhood children and how your participation in holiday activities affects them. Perhaps you can allow yourself to absorb their joy by joining them in activities that are important to them and excuse yourself when you reach your limit.

-Scale back. If the thought of many holiday activities feels painful, overwhelming, or inappropriate this year, cutting back may help.

-Give. During times of grief, sometimes the biggest comfort is to give to others.

– Acknowledge those who have passed on. For example , donate items to a charitable organization in their name. Light a candle for them, or place the deceased’s photo on the Christmas tree or among holiday decorations.

As a funeral director, I am aware of the additional stress the holiday season can place upon the lives of grieving individuals. Above all, I encourage people to take good care of themselves and to obtain the support they need. Oftentimes, the anticipation of a holiday can be more difficult than the day itself. Whatever your personal situation may be this year, we at The Cremation Center of Southern Utah wish you a warm and comforting holiday season.

The Cremation Center of Southern Utah is located just off Riverside Drive at 1316 S. 400 E., St. George, UT, (435) 986-9100.

Submitted by W. Russell Atkin, Licensed Funeral Director/Owner

Veterans Day and Five Interesting Facts

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 09:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Defense has a wonderful article on their website entitled “Five Facts to Know About Veterans Day.” Written by Katie Lange, the article touches on five misconceptions of this well-known American holiday.

– Veterans Day does NOT have an apostrophe. The holiday is not a day that belongs to one veteran or multiple veterans. It’s a day for honoring all veterans ; therefore, no apostrophe is needed.

– Veterans Day is NOT the Same as Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time to remember those who gave their lives for our country, particularly in battle or from wounds they suffered in battle. Veterans Day honors all of those who have served the country in war or peace – dead or alive – although it’s largely intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices.

– Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I, when the Allies and Germany put into effect an armistice on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. In 1938, it became an official holiday. Congress later amended the commemoration by changing the word “armistice” to “veterans” so the day would honor American veterans of all wars.

– Veterans Day was celebrated for a time on the fourth Monday of every October. But in 1975, President Gerald Ford signed a bill into law which returned the annual observance to its original observation date – November 11th.

– Other countries celebrate it, too, in their own ways. World War I was a multinational effort, so it makes sense that our allies also wanted to celebrate their veterans on Nov. 11. The name of the day and the types of commemorations differ, however. For example, Canada, Australia, and Great Britain celebrate “Remembrance Day.”

At The Cremation Center of Southern Utah, we are proud to honor those who have served. Veterans are our national heroes and are deserving of special attention. Please contact us at (435) 986-9100 for information on veterans burial benefits.

Submitted by Larry L. Hansen, Owner/Licensed Funeral Director

Why Your Occupation Matters in Death

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 09:00:00 GMT

We recently celebrated Labor Day – a day set aside to pay tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. A person’s chosen occupation and type of industry is important at the time of his or her death, as this information is listed on the deceased’s official death certificate. The government tracks this type of information in an effort to correlate the health of the working population with the amount of risk associated in certain working environments. It also indicates the number of accidents or diseases that can be traced to a person’s occupation or industry.

Over the years, I’ve filled out thousands of death certificates and listed many different types of occupations. I would say the two most common occupations listed are “homemaker” for women and “contractor” for men. The most interesting occupation I’ve ever listed? Professional wrestler. And the one I’ll never forget? Astronaut. Although, I seriously doubted the validity of that one.

Once a person passes away, it is the role of the funeral home to generate the death certificate and deliver it to the physician for signature. Vital statistical information regarding the deceased must be obtained, including occupation and industry. Additional required information includes the person’s legal name, birthdate, birthplace, address, social security number, marital status, parent’s names, education level, race/ethnicity, and information regarding the disposition of the body, including burial, cremation, etc.

The deceased’s doctor signs the death certificate and lists the official cause of death, including the immediate cause of death and any other contributing factors, such as tobacco use. Injury and/or accident information is also listed on a death certificate, if applicable.

Your life’s information is important and deserves to be documented accurately. Please stop by our office to record your vital statistical information in advance. The Cremation Center of Southern Utah is located just off Riverside Drive at 1316 S. 400 E., St. George, UT, (435) 986-9100. F ollow us on Facebook and Instagram @CremationCenterSU.

Submitted by Larry L. Hansen, Owner/Licensed Funeral Director

Celebrating Memorial Day

Fri, 26 May 2023 09:00:00 GMT

Memorial Day has long been touted as the first official holiday of the summer. Many Americans choose to celebrate in part by visiting the graves of their loved ones. Personally, I always think of our veterans and the sacrifices made for our great country. But did you know that Memorial Day is rich with historical significance? Barbara Maranzani wrote a very interesting article published on history.com entitled, “8 Things You May Not Know About Memorial Day.” Here are a few highlights.

The practice of honoring those who have fallen in battle dates back thousands of years, credited to the ancient Greeks and Romans who held annual days of remembrance for their loved ones.

One of the earliest observances in America was organized on May 1, 1865. Recently freed slaves, regiments of the U.S. Colored Troops, and a few white Charlestonians gathered to “consecrate a new, proper burial site for the Union dead.”

General John A. Logan is considered by some historians to be the “founder” of Memorial Day. General Logan was the commander-in-chief of the Union veterans’ group known as the Grand Army of the Republic. In 1868, he issued a decree that May 30 should be known as a nationwide day of commemoration for soldiers killed in the Civil War. Logan announced that “Decoration Day” would be a day for Americans to lay flowers and decorate the graves of fallen soldiers “whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.”

Memorial Day was originally used to commemorate those killed in the Civil War. Later, the tradition was expanded to include those killed in all wars, and Memorial Day was officially recognized nationwide in 1971, “with America deeply embroiled in the Vietnam War.”

Happy Memorial Day from all of us at The Cremation Center of Southern Utah. We’re the cremation experts. Please contact us with your cremation questions at (435) 986-9100. We are located just off Riverside Dr. at 1316 S. 400 E., Ste. A5, St. George, UT. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @CremationCenterSU.

Submitted by Larry L. Hansen, Owner/Funeral Director

Witnessing Cremation

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 09:00:00 GMT

Sixty-plus years ago, I had the opportunity to witness an open cremation on a Native American Indian reservation in southern Arizona. Open cremation was the tribal custom (which, for some, continues to this day), and, to say the least, it was an interesting experience. At that time, I never imagined that I would later become an owner of a funeral home and cremation center.

The Cremation Center of Southern Utah was designed exclusively for families choosing cremation. Many people are interested in understanding how our business operates, and some even wish to witness a cremation to ensure that the cremated remains they receive are indeed the remains of their loved one. For some, witnessing a cremation is a form of closure, much the same as witnessing a burial. Whatever the reason, we believe in allowing individuals the opportunity to witness the cremation of a family member.

Witnessing a cremation does not mean that you watch the actual process itself. Instead, a witness views the body (in a cremation casket) being placed into the cremation chamber. After a period of approximately three hours, the cremated remains are recovered from the chamber. A cooling period ensues, and the remains are processed and placed in an urn.

Our facility offers a special cremation witness room with a large window that looks directly into our cremation area. This area houses our state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly crematory, otherwise known as a retort. The family is allowed to wait in our witness room or in another comfortable area of our building during the three-hour process.

A technician from our crematory manufacturer once visited our facility to perform an inspection and to do some routine maintenance. He mentioned that he had visited hundreds of different crematories, and that ours was a “model facility.” I was thrilled to hear his words. We take great pride in our profession and in the condition of our cremation facility.

We invite anyone interested in learning more about cremation to stop by our office. We are located just off Riverside Dr. at 1316 S. 400 E., St. George, UT, or call (435) 986-9100, www.CremationCenterSU.com . Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @CremationCenterSU.

Submitted by Duane Lamoreaux, Funeral Service Professional, The Cremation Center of Southern Utah

The Deadliest Day of the Year

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 09:00:00 GMT

What is the deadliest day of the year? The answer may surprise you, and we just passed it on the calendar. “The Deadliest Day of the Year is Almost Upon Us” is an article written by Christopher Ingraham for The Washington Post , and delivers the blow that January 1st, New Year’s Day, is the deadliest day of all.

As Mr. Ingraham states, “The seasonality of death — more deaths in the winter, fewer in the summer — is a well-established and long-running public health mystery. You get a sort of wave of death that ebbs in the late summer months, rises sharply through December, and hits a peak exactly on Jan. 1 before subsiding more gradually through the beginning of the year.”

But the big question is – why? A few years ago, a sociology professor named David Phillips set out to determine the root cause. He found that the increase of deaths are generally being driven by illness, disease, and old age, rather than by accidents, homicides, or any other non-health-related cause. Weather doesn’t seem to be a factor, either, as the holiday spikes are even bigger in the warmer Southern states. The spikes are just as big if you exclude people who died from alcohol or drugs, or people who died from pneumonia or the flu.

Phillips was able to determine the following – some research shows that people tend to “postpone going into the ER around the holidays because they want to be with their family,” he said. In situations where minutes or seconds can mean the difference between life and death, some folks may choose to ignore their chest pain or other concerning symptoms until after the holiday dinner. “In the case of some serious illness, that’s a very foolish thing to do,” Phillips says.

Another potential reason for the spike in deaths is that hospitals may be understaffed around the holidays, and their most experienced workers may be taking time off. That could lead to reduced performance and reduced ability to save lives. More research is needed. “It’s not only a mystery, but a mystery that people haven’t even tried to engage with,” Phillips said. In short – remember to take extra care of yourself during the holiday season and early in the new year!

The Cremation Center of Southern Utah is located at 1316 S. 400 E., Ste. A5, St. George, or call (435) 986-9100. www.CremationCenterSU.com

Submitted by Larry L. Hansen, Licensed Funeral Director/Owner, The Cremation Center of Southern Utah.

Source:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/12/30/the-deadliest-day-of-the-year-is-almost-upon-us/

Can Gratitude Help You Live Longer?

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 09:00:00 GMT

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year, and not just because I’m always grateful for good food. It’s a time of togetherness and gratitude and reminds us all to give thanks and remember to count our blessings. I once read an insightful article published by The Fine Line written by Nicola Bridges entitled, “How Gratitude Can Help You Live Longer.”

The article states that, “in addition to having a positive emotional and psychological impact on our lives, gratitude can also have a positive physical impact.” Studies are on-going, but practicing gratitude generally makes you feel better in the moment and appears to positively impact our brain, body, and spirit.

The article also indicates that people who practice gratitude tend to share specific traits and habits that may include the following:

– They are truly grateful for people, not just things.

– They are precise in their thanks. They don’t just say “I love you” – they take the time to explain why.

– They think outside the box. When something bad happens, they remember it’s important to flip the situation on its head and look for something good among the bad.

– They feel grateful for small things and complete positive tasks, such as keeping a daily gratitude journal, writing thank you notes, or meditating on the good they receive.

As a funeral director, I work closely with family members when their loved one passes away. I witness all types of family dynamics and hear all kinds of stories. Surviving family members often express gratitude for the life of their loved one, and my favorite narrative is that an ordinary person can make an extraordinary impact on those closest to them. They appreciate the things they taught them and the love they shared. Whether or not it helps you live longer, it is my wish that we may all live with an “attitude of gratitude” this holiday season. In turn, this attitude helps those closest to us feel grateful to be a part of our lives.

Happy Thanksgiving from The Cremation Center of Southern Utah. Visit us at 1316 S. 400 E., St. George, UT, (435) 986-9100. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @CremationCenterSU.

Submitted by Larry L. Hansen, Funeral Director/Owner

Don’t Skip the Service

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT

Several years ago, my father’s good friend passed away. This friend had made the noble decision to have his body donated to science; however, the wife of the deceased opted to forgo any type of memorial service. My father was saddened by this decision because he deeply wanted to pay his respects to the deceased and his family. Without a service to attend, he felt awkward and unsure of how and when to express his feelings.

It is tremendously important for most families to remember their loved one with a tribute or service . Funeral services facilitate the sharing of memories between family and friends. They also channel broad community support, allowing friends and neighbors to pay their respects to the family. Finally, funeral services are a catalyst to the healing process. Joining with others to remember the deceased evokes memories that will later help the bereaved adjust to the reality of the loss.

Long gone are the days of traditional, one-size-fits-all funerals. Many people choose to be cremated or donate their body to science. Regardless of the choice, it is important to remember that a memorial service, tribute, celebration of life, or other gathering can still be held for family and friends. A service should be a tailor-made event that reflects the personality, significance, and value of the deceased. Services can be simple or elaborate, religious or secular, traditional or contemporary.

Pre-planning is an important endeavor. Documenting your wishes will ensure that your service is personalized. Keep in mind that your family and friends deserve the opportunity to remember you in a manner befitting your personality and style.

Our mission at The Cremation Center of Southern Utah is to help you decide how to honor your life or the life of your loved one. We offer affordable prices due to a simple philosophy – keep overhead low so the savings can be passed on to the public. We never compromise value or quality.

The Cremation Center of Southern Utah is located just off Riverside Drive at 1316 S. 400 E., St. George, UT, (435) 986-9100, or visit us online at www.cremationcentersu.com.

Submitted by W. Russell Atkin, Funeral Director/Owner

Cremation Popularity and Five Interesting Facts

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT

Cremation continues to maintain its upward trend in popularity. According to the Cremation Association of North America, (CANA), in 2019, the cremation rate in the United States was 54.6%. In 2020, 56.1%. Future projections indicate that by 2025, the cremation rate in the United States will reach 65.2%, and by 2030, 72.8%.

Many factors have contributed to the meteoric rise in cremation’s popularity as the disposition of choice. People choose cremation for themselves and their loved ones for a variety of reasons, including affordability, increasing religious acceptance, regulations in foreign countries, and eco-consciousness.

For those interested in learning more about cremation, here are five facts you may not already know:

1 – Ashes are not actually ashes – the correct term is “cremated remains.”

2- Cremated remains are composed of the calcium and minerals in your bones.

3 – A cremation machine is called a retort.

4 – To cremate an average-sized human body, a retort operates between 1,600 and 1,800 Fahrenheit for approximately 3 hours.

5 – It is possible and encouraged to have a viewing and/or a funeral service prior to cremation.

Choosing to be cremated is merely a decision for disposition of the body, and it is important to note that you are making a decision that will greatly impact your loved ones. A memorial service, celebration of life, or other gathering can still be held for family and friends. Such gatherings help facilitate the healing process and help the bereaved adjust to the reality of the loss.

At the Cremation Center of Southern Utah, we guide you through the cremation process with clarity and compassion. Contact us today to obtain your copy of a free cremation planning guide by calling (435) 986-9100, or make an appointment for a private tour. We are located just off Riverside Dr. at 1316 S. 400 E., Suite A5, in St. George, UT. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @CremationCenterSU.

Submitted by W. Russell Atkin, Owner/Licensed Funeral Director