7 Meaningful Things To Do With Your Loved One’s Cremated Remains

When a family chooses cremation, the next question often becomes, “What should we do with the ashes?” There is no single right answer. Some families feel comfort keeping an urn at home. Others want a permanent resting place. Many want a creative way to honor a personality, hobby, or favorite place.

If you are planning cremation services in Smithfield, Logan, or anywhere in Cache Valley, it can help to understand the many options available for your loved one’s cremated remains.

1. Keep or Display the Urn at Home

One of the most common choices is to keep the urn in a special place at home. This might be:

• On a shelf or mantle with framed photos
• In a glass-front cabinet or niche
• In a quiet corner with a candle and a small plant

You can choose a traditional urn or something that reflects your loved one’s style, such as wood, stone, pottery, or a custom design. Some families also use keepsake urns. These are smaller urns that allow multiple family members to each keep a portion of the ashes.

2. Bury or Inter the Cremated Remains

Many families feel comfort knowing there is a permanent place to visit.

You might choose to:

• Bury the urn in a cemetery plot
• Place the urn in a columbarium niche
• Add the urn to an existing family grave

This option often includes a marker, headstone, or plaque. It gives friends and family a peaceful, dedicated place to reflect, bring flowers, and remember their loved one on special days and anniversaries.

3. Personalize the Container

If your loved one had a strong hobby or interest, you can let that shine through in the container you choose.

Examples might include:

• A decorative cookie jar for a beloved baker
• A tackle box or fishing-themed urn for an avid fisherman
• A handcrafted box for a woodworker or artist

Personal containers do not need to be expensive. The most important thing is that they feel like “them” and bring your family comfort.

4. Create a Living Memorial 

For those who loved being outdoors, a living memorial can be very meaningful.

Some families choose to:

• Use a special biodegradable urn designed to be buried with a tree or plant
• Incorporate a small amount of ashes into soil for a memorial garden
• Place a memorial stone or marker near a favorite tree or flower bed

When you visit the tree or garden, it becomes a tangible reminder of the life you are honoring and can be especially healing for children and grandchildren.

5. Turn Ashes Into Art or Jewelry 

Many companies now offer creative ways to incorporate cremated remains into keepsakes that you can see or wear every day.

Common options include:

• Blown glass art pieces, such as hearts, paperweights, or orbs
• Memorial jewelry, such as rings, pendants, or bracelets
• Small vials or lockets that hold a tiny amount of ashes

In some cases, artists can even mix a small portion of the ashes into paint or ink for a custom portrait or handwritten piece. These items can be shared among family members so each person has a personal reminder of their loved one.

6. Scatter in a Meaningful Place

Scattering can feel very freeing and symbolic. Families often choose a place that held special meaning, such as:

• A favorite hiking trail or overlook
• A family cabin or property
• A lake, river, or other body of water
• A quiet spot in the mountains or desert

Scattering can be done during a small ceremony with close family and friends or as a more private moment. Some families use a scattering urn that makes it easier to release the ashes respectfully.

Before you scatter, it is important to check local laws and regulations, especially in public parks or waterways. Your funeral director can help you understand what is allowed in Utah and suggest options that respect both your wishes and local rules.

7. Combine Options To Fit Your Family

You do not have to choose only one option. Many families decide to combine several ideas so different needs are met.

For example, you might:

• Place a portion of the ashes in a cemetery or columbarium
• Keep a small keepsake urn or piece of jewelry at home
• Scatter a small amount in a favorite outdoor location

This flexible approach lets each family member grieve and remember in the way that feels most natural to them.

Caring Cremation Services in Smithfield and Throughout Cache Valley

Deciding what to do with cremated remains can feel like a lot of pressure, especially while you are grieving. You are not expected to have every answer right away. A compassionate funeral director can walk you through the options, explain local guidelines, and help you choose something that fits your family, your faith, and your budget.

White Pine Funeral Services offers caring, professional cremation services for families in Smithfield, Logan, and all of Cache Valley. Whether you want a simple option, a traditional service with burial, or a creative way to honor your loved one’s memory, we are here to help you explore what feels right and create a meaningful plan.

If you would like to talk through ideas for your loved one’s cremated remains, please contact us. We are honored to support you.