How Does Cremation Work? A Step-by-Step Explanation for Families

At Magnolia Cremations, we follow a strict and transparent identification process to guarantee that the ashes you receive belong solely to your loved one.

From the moment someone comes into our care, we implement multiple layers of tracking and verification to protect the dignity of each individual and give families complete peace of mind.

Here’s how we ensure accuracy at every step:

✅ Two-Tag Identification System

Every individual is assigned two identification tags that stay with them throughout the entire cremation process:

• A round stainless steel tag issued by Magnolia Cremations
  
  

• A rectangular brass tag issued by our on-site crematory

These tags remain with your loved one at all times, including inside the cremation chamber and in the returned ashes.

✅ Chain of Custody Documentation

 
We complete and maintain detailed chain of custody records, documenting every stage of care, from transfer into our facility to cremation, to the release of the cremated remains. Nothing is left to chance.

✅ Licensed, In-House Cremation

All cremations are performed at our family-owned and state-licensed crematory, Falls City Crematory, ensuring no third-party handling and complete control over every aspect of the process.

We understand that returning your loved one’s remains is a deeply emotional moment. That’s why we’ve built our process around accountability, transparency, and respect, so you can feel confident and supported every step of the way.

Yes, you can absolutely choose the clothing and personal items to include with your loved one (or yourself) during cremation.

At Magnolia Cremations, we know how important it is to honor a life in a way that feels meaningful and personal. Whether you're making arrangements for a loved one or planning ahead for yourself, we’re here to support your wishes with compassion and care.

Here’s what you can include:

• Clothing
  Families often select:
  
  

  • Suits or dresses
    
    

  • Pajamas or favorite outfits
    
    

  • Uniforms or culturally significant garments
    
    

• Personal items
  We’ve seen families include:
  
  

  • Letters or drawings
    
    

  • Photos
    
    

  • Stuffed animals or toys (like a teddy bear)
    
    

  • Handmade keepsakes
    
    

  • Other items with sentimental value
    
    

• Styling requests
  You're welcome to make requests around:
  
  

  • Hair styling or grooming
    
    

  • Nail polish colors
    
    

  • Specific appearance preferences

Things to consider:

• Jewelry is not recommended
  While you can choose to include it, jewelry is typically destroyed during cremation and cannot be recovered. We encourage families to keep these items as cherished keepsakes instead.
  
  

• We’ll honor all meaningful requests
  Whether it’s a favorite T-shirt or something completely unique, we’re here to say “yes” whenever we can, and we’ll always handle every detail with care and respect.
  
  

Whether you're preplanning or planning for someone you love, you're not alone.

We’re here to listen, guide, and make sure every detail, no matter how small, reflects your wishes. If you have questions or special requests, just reach out. We'll walk with you every step of the way.

The actual cremation process inside the chamber typically takes 2 to 4 hours, though the full timeline, including cooling and processing, is usually 3 to 6 hours total.

Here’s what happens:

• Preheating the cremation chamber: 30–60 minutes
  
  

• Cremation cycle: 2–4 hours, depending on body size and container type
  
  

• Cooling and processing: 1–2 hours

At Magnolia Cremations, we operate two cremation machines and handle everything in-house at our private crematory. Since there are no third-party delays, we can perform up to eight cremations per day, depending on scheduling and paperwork approvals. While the physical process is relatively fast, the full timeline, from arrangement to the return of ashes, can vary based on state requirements, paperwork, and coroner authorizations.

We do everything possible to ensure your loved one is returned to you as quickly and respectfully as possible, and we’ll keep your family updated every step of the way.

In most cases, families receive their loved one’s ashes within 5 to 10 days, depending on the state and how quickly all required paperwork is completed.

• In Indiana: The timeline is typically 7–10 days, due to a mandatory 48-hour waiting period and the need for a physician or coroner’s signature before cremation can proceed.

• In Kentucky: Families usually receive ashes within 5–7 days, as the coroner typically signs the cremation permit within 24–48 hours.

Delays can sometimes occur due to paperwork, holidays, or pending authorizations, but our team works diligently to ensure a smooth and timely process. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

We follow a rigorous, multi-step identification process that exceeds industry standards, ensuring every loved one entrusted to us is accurately identified and respectfully returned to their family.

At Magnolia Cremations, we treat every cremation as a meaningful service, not just a step in the process. That begins with accurate identification the moment someone enters our care and continues until their ashes are safely returned.

Here’s how we ensure correct identification:

✅ Chain of Custody Documentation

Every decedent is tracked through a detailed chain of custody form, signed at the time of transfer and updated at every step of their care. This form includes up to 40 data points, including items like personal effects, special requests, or fingerprinting.

✅ Two-Tiered ID Tag System

We use a two-tag identification system to provide physical verification throughout the cremation process:

• A Scott Family Services (Magnolia’s parent company) stainless steel ID tag — assigned when the person first comes into our care
  
  

• A Falls City Crematory (our family-owned crematory) brass ID tag — assigned at the time of cremation

Both tags are included with the ashes returned to the family, providing dual verification. Families sometimes ask why the tags don’t say “Magnolia” — that’s because Magnolia is our cremation brand, but the cremation itself is carried out by our licensed in-house facility, Falls City Crematory, under our parent company, Scott Family Services.

✅ Barcode Scanning and Digital Records

Every stage of care is digitally tracked using barcode scanning and timestamp logging, allowing us to instantly verify a person’s identity, cremation details, and handling history using their unique ID tag number, even without a name.

This system allows us to say with complete confidence: the ashes returned to you are your loved one, and only your loved one. We understand how sacred that trust is, and we take every possible step to protect it.

At Magnolia Cremations, we treat every step of the cremation process with care, including the respectful removal and handling of medical devices like pacemakers, joint replacements, and surgical implants.

Are pacemakers removed before cremation?

Yes. Pacemakers are removed before cremation because they contain lithium batteries and, in some cases, radioactive components that can explode under extreme heat, creating safety hazards and risking damage to crematory equipment.

✔ Licensed professionals carefully remove pacemakers following all safety regulations.

✔ This step is fully documented as part of our chain of custody process.

✔ Some families request to donate pacemakers for veterinary use; we’re happy to assist if desired.

What happens to metal implants during cremation?

Items like titanium hip replacements, metal rods, spinal supports, and surgical screws do not burn during cremation. Instead, they are:

• Separated after the cremation process is complete
  
  

• Removed during the ash processing stage
  
  

• Available for return to the family upon request (though rare)

What does Magnolia Cremations do with recovered metal?

All surgical metal recovered at Magnolia is responsibly recycled, never sent to landfills. 

💚 100% of recycling proceeds are donated to local charities in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

These donations support:

• School supply drives
  
  

• Hunger relief programs
  
  

• Green space beautification
  
  

• Assistance for underserved families

Can I request implants or devices back?

Yes. While uncommon, families can request the return of implants or surgical hardware. We are always happy to accommodate special requests when possible.

Why this matters

Cremation involves more than just respectful care; it’s about ethical responsibility, community impact, and transparency at every stage. At Magnolia Cremations, we handle medical devices with the same dignity and attention we give to every part of the process.

Yes. At Magnolia Cremations, your loved one is gently and respectfully prepared before cremation, just as you would expect from a trusted professional care team. Even if no public viewing or ceremony is planned, we believe every person deserves dignified preparation before their final transition.

Here’s what our caring team does after your loved one enters our care:

✅ Gentle cleansing and bathing

✅ Removal of medical devices like IVs, pacemakers, or catheters (if required for safety)

✅ Hair combing and light grooming

✅ Respectful positioning , including closing of the eyes and mouth and a peaceful resting posture

✅ Clothing options — We use hospital-style gowns or clothing provided by the family

✅ Inclusion of personal items, such as a blanket, keepsake, or letter, upon request

Your loved one is never treated as “just a case number.” From the moment they arrive at our private, in-house crematory, they are cared for like family, with compassion, professionalism, and secure identification at every step.