Home » Cremation Services » Cremation Process
Families who choose cremation with Iles Funeral Homes can be confident their loved one will be treated with dignity, care, and respect at every step. From the moment we bring someone into our care through the return of the cremated remains, your loved one never leaves Iles’ custody.
We operate our own crematory, staffed by Licensed Funeral Directors and crematory operators, which affords us the ability to maintain direct oversight, consistent standards, and clear accountability throughout the entire process. Our procedures combine professional ethics, experience, and modern technology to protect the integrity of every cremation we perform.
To ensure accuracy and peace of mind, Iles follows strict, documented procedures, including:
A personal identification band with a scan-ready barcode is placed on your loved one when they come into our care. This code is scanned and verified at every stage of the cremation process.
Each individual is assigned a unique number that is stamped onto a non-combustible stainless steel disc. This disc stays with them at all times, including during the cremation, and is later placed with the cremated remains. The number appears on all paperwork and records.
Any personal items are carefully inventoried, labeled, and documented for return to the family.
Digital fingerprints are taken as an additional identification safeguard. These records are stored securely in our system.
The state or county medical examiner reviews the case to verify identity and cause of death before a cremation permit is issued.
A licensed funeral director meets with the family to review and sign all required cremation authorizations. Cremation does not proceed without proper documentation and family approval.
Only licensed funeral directors operate the crematory. All permits and paperwork are reviewed prior to cremation to ensure completeness and accuracy.
All documentation is reviewed by a second staff member before the cremation begins as an added precaution.
Paperwork remains with the cremation chamber during the process and stays with the remains until placement in the urn. All documents are scanned and verified against the original identification code.
Every cremation is logged into our system, and all original paperwork is retained as part of the permanent record.
When cremation is complete, the family receives the cremated remains clearly labeled with the individual’s name and containing the permanent identification disc. A certificate of cremation is also provided, confirming identification details and completion of the process.
If you have questions about our cremation procedures or would like to walk through the process step by step, our funeral directors are always available to explain what happens and why.
Now that you know how the process works, the next step is finding the arrangements that feel right for your family.
