More people are choosing cremation services over burial, and with this comes unique and compelling ways to memorialize a loved one’s life with their ashes. Beyond scattering or interment, there are several creative options available. Below are a few popular uses for a loved one's ashes.

Unique Uses for Ashes After Cremation

1. Jewelry

Ashes can be enclosed inside a ring, pendant, or bracelet, or formed into a glass bead or diamond. Various companies can help you memorialize your loved one in jewelry that is beautiful and tasteful. The whole family can share a design, or you can get a personal piece.

2. Feed a Reef

Several companies build artificial reefs out of ashes. If you love the sea, this is a beautiful way to include your remains in the circle of life. The artificial reefs foster new coral and marine life and serve as a living, growing tribute to you or a loved one’s life.

3. Plant a Tree

There are a few options for using ashes to plant trees. You may opt to place the ashes in the hole where you will plant a favorite tree in the garden. Or, choose a company that places ashes, soil, and seeds within a biodegradable “urn” that you can plant. Some botanical gardens or parks may offer a memorial program to plant a tree in someone’s name and incorporate the cremains.

4. Create a Stuffed Animal

One option that is perfect for children or the elderly who have lost a loved one is to have a stuffed animal made with the ashes stored safely inside a sewn-in pouch. They can see and reflect on the animal whenever they want, as well as hug it and keep it close.

5. Send Them to Space

For the adventurous soul who didn’t make it to space during their life, a chance to enter deep space via their cremains may be the perfect post-cremation service option. You can send them on trips to deep space, into lunar orbit, or orbit around the earth.

For assistance with cremation services and funeral planning in the Lebanon, OH, area, choose the Stine-Kilburn Funeral Home of Lebanon. This compassionate, experienced team will assist you with all aspects of the funeral process and offer several options for memorial keepsakes. They have served the Lebanon area since 1987. Call (513) 932-1239 for assistance or visit their website to learn more about cremation services.