Frequent Questions

To begin with, it is probably easier to describe what cremation isn't. Cremation is not the final disposition of the remains, nor is it some type of funeral service. Rather, it reduces the human body to bone fragments using high heat and flame.

It depends on the weight of the individual. For an average size adult, cremation takes two to three hours at normal operating temperatures between 1,500 and 2,000 degrees F.

All organic bone fragments, which are very brittle and non-consumed metal items, are "swept" into the front of the cremation chamber and a stainless steel cooling pan. All non-consumed items, like metal from clothing, hip joints, and bridge work, are separated from the cremated remains. This separation is accomplished through visual inspection as well as using a strong magnet for smaller and minute metallic objects. Items such as dental gold and silver are non-recoverable and are commingled in with the cremated remains. The remaining bone fragments are then processed in a machine to a consistent size and placed into a temporary or permanent urn, selected by the family.

Cremated remains resemble coarse sand and are whitish to light gray. The remains of an average size adult usually weighs between four to eight pounds.

The cremated remains are placed in the urn of your choice from our large selection of urns available for purchase. You may also use your urn if you desire, and we will place the cremated remains in the urn at no additional charge.

There are many options. Remains can be buried in a cemetery lot or cremation garden, inurned in a columbarium, kept at home, or scattered on private property. Our staff will be happy to discuss these options with you and make any arrangements.

Cremation regulations vary from state to state. 

In Kansas, an investigator from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner must review the death certificate and sign an authorization allowing us to proceed with cremation. In the state of Missouri, a death certificate must be completed with the cause of death by the deceased physician. In both states, we must have a signed cremation authorization by the next of kin for us to begin the cremation.

Never. Not only is it illegal to do so, but most modern cremation chambers are not sufficient to accommodate more than one adult. Thus it would be a practical impossibility to conduct multiple cremations simultaneously.

Our state-of-the-art cremation facility is set up to allow family members to be present when the body is placed into the cremation chamber. In fact, some religious groups include this as part of their funeral custom.

We have developed the most rigorous set of operating policies and procedures to maximize our level of quality and minimize the potential for human error. We only allow certified professionals to operate our cremation equipment. Our Ten-Step Peace of Mind Guaranteed Process also ensures that you receive the correct cremated remains. The identification of the deceased is assured throughout each stage of the cremation process using our identification medallion which bears the unique cremation number assigned to your loved one. 

An urn is not required by law. However, an urn may be desired if there is to be a memorial service or if the cremated remains are to be interred in a cemetery. We have a variety of urns to choose from on our website and at our facility. Families may also provide their urn if an urn is not selected.

No, a casket is not required for cremation. All that is required is a rigid container that is cremated with the body. This container is included in all of our cremation packages. Two upgraded containers are available as well and are required for family visitations and witnessed cremations.

No, and it is against the law for a funeral home to tell you otherwise.

Yes, immediate family members may briefly view the deceased before cremation in our private viewing room. The deceased is first washed, wrapped in clean linens, and prepared for viewing.

We offer a specially discounted Veterans Tribute Package, which includes a graveside service with military honors, an urn, a flag case, and a veterans stationery package. We also assist in obtaining benefits and sharing service options with families. Our funeral directors will guide you to make sure that you or your family receives everything to which you are entitled. 

To learn more about veterans' benefits click Veterans Overview, or click Veterans Tribute Package to learn more about how we honor veterans' service to our country.

While most funeral homes offer cremation services, very few funeral homes own a crematory. The majority of funeral service providers cannot guarantee the entire integrity of the cremation process, as they must entrust another company with the cremation process. 

At Assurance Cremation Society, your loved one never leaves our care. We operate our crematory and have rigorous standards that are followed throughout the entire cremation process. We can guarantee that you will receive your loved one's cremated remains, and we offer families the opportunity to inspect our facilities or to even witness the cremation process.

To learn more about our crematory and the Peace of Mind Guarantee to You, please click on Onsite Crematory.

There are very few religions that prohibit cremation under all circumstances. 

At the present time, all of the Roman Catholic Archdioceses in Missouri and Kansas allow urns to be brought to church for memorial masses. Most Protestant churches welcome memorial services as well, and many Protestant churches are developing memorial gardens for interring the cremated remains of their members. 

If you have questions about a particular church or place of worship please contact us at 816-941-CARE and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.

Yes, many families prepay for their services before the time of need. This spares your family from wondering what services you would have wanted and from incurring a financial burden at the time of your death. 

By prepaying for your services, you also lock in the prices for our services, and we guarantee that your family will not have to add any funds at the time of your death.

To learn more about prearrangements and prepaying for services click Preplanned Services or call us at 816-941-CARE and one of our knowledgeable funeral directors will guide you through the process and answer any questions you have.