Sierra Foothills Funeral Services welcomes your questions regarding any aspect of cremation or funeral services. Chances are, we've addressed your concerns in our responses to the frequently asked questions below. If not, feel free to call us from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at 530-889-0767, or you can email us any time at info@sierracremation.com for more details or information. We're located at
610 Auburn Ravine Road, Suite E, in Auburn California.
Q: What are "cremains?"
A: The ashes, or cremated remains of a body.
Q: Can I have cremation and still have a viewing?
A: Absolutely. It is possible to have a viewing and a full funeral service prior to cremation.
Q: If my loved one is cremated can they still be buried?
A: Yes, the ashes can still be buried, and a cremains grave is much smaller and less expensive than a full size grave.
Q: How do I know that the ashes I receive back are definitely my loved ones'?
A: Each body is labeled and tracked by name, number, and location, in accordance with strict state and industry guidelines and regulations. We take great care in insuring that each body is cremated individually and completely with the utmost respect.
Q: Who does the actual cremation? Can I be present?
A: All Sierra Foothills cremations are done at Hooper & Weaver Mortuary in Nevada City, and handled with extraordinary care and attention to detail. Yes, you may be present and the details may be worked out with the funeral director.
Q: Do I still need a casket if I'm ordering a cremation?
A: No. However, an alternative container for the body is required to do the cremation, and must be either purchased from us at a nominal charge or provided by you. Caskets designed specifically for cremation are available, and you may want to purchase one if you are planning a public viewing.
Q: What are the environmental advantages to cremation?
A: There are no specific environmental advantages to cremation. However, the ashes may be dispersed in several ways, and cremated remains that are not buried don't require the purchase of a cemetery plot, and therefore do not use land.
Q: Is embalming required? Why do you offer it?
A: Embalming is not required by law. However, in certain cases embalming may be necessary, even for a cremation-particularly if there is going to be a viewing or public transportation of the body. Embalming helps preserve a more natural skin tone and color, and is especially appropriate when the funeral may be delayed more than a few days after death.
Q: Can you help me with memorial services? What options are available?
A: Absolutely. The options are virtually as endless as your imagination, and are just as appropriate for a cremation as a burial.
Q: Your price list includes a charge for "refrigeration"? What's that about?
A: By law, the body must be stored in a refrigerated unit within 24 hours after death. However, if the body is embalmed, refrigeration is not required.
Q: How long does it take to prepare everything for the burial or cremation?
A: Usually no longer than 3 or 4 days. If it should take longer, a full explanation will be provided to you at that time. Time can vary depending on how long it takes to process the death certificate and secure a permit by the health department.
Q: Can I have a privately purchased casket brought in for a service?
A: You may purchase a casket from an outside source. However, we will not guarantee its delivery or its function and do not recommend it. If a privately purchased casket is brought in for the service, it is your responsibility to insure that the casket is delivered and made available to the mortuary in a sufficient amount of time prior to the service.
Q: Why should I plan ahead regarding my own funeral?
A: Planning ahead has many benefits, the chief ones being that you lock in today's pricing on our services, and you relieve the potential burden of family and friends trying to anticipate what you would have wanted. For more details on pre-planning, visit Planning Ahead.
Q: Is there an impartial state agency I can contact with regard to questions about cremation and funeral law and practices?
A: For more consumer information regarding funeral practices, contact The Department of Consumer Affairs Cemetery Program at 800-952-5210. Their mailing address is 400 R Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814.
Q: Is Sierra Foothill Cremation family-owned? Why should that matter to me?
A: Yes, we are family-owned, and we pride ourselves in caring for your family as we would our own. The bottom line to working with a family-owned funeral service is this: you'll save money and gain more control over the entire process. You'll deal directly with the owner in every detail. And since our overhead is relatively low compared to that of a large corporation, we can bring you the same services at a much lower rate. Note: not every funeral home that has a family name is family-owned - ask to be sure.
Sierra Foothills Funeral Services • 271 Auburn Ravine Road, Auburn CA 95603 • 530-889-0767
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday • Available 24 hours/7days a week • info@sierracremation.com
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