Sara Marsden-Ille 

Co-founder & Editor — DFS Memorials 

Sara Marsden-Ille is the co-founder and editor of DFS Memorials as well as US Funerals Online. She has been writing about funeral planning, consumer rights, and cremation costs since 2003, when US Funerals Online launched — one of the first independent funeral consumer resources in the United States. Sara is responsible for editorial standards across the DFS Memorials network and helps to host the Cremation Nation podcast.

Author Contributions on US Funerals Online

Recent Articles Published

Find affordable cremation near me

Selecting Affordable Funeral Services in Chattanooga, TN

The cremation trend is changing the way we think about arranging a funeral.  Although the cremation rate in Tennessee has typically been below the national rate, the demand for low-cost funeral alternatives is changing the way many families today approach death care. You can arrange an affordable cremation for as little as $795 in Chattanooga.…
April 30, 2026
Find cremation costs near me

Arranging a low-cost cremation in Atlanta – $795

Over 62% of Americans now choose cremation instead of burial for their final disposition (CANA 2025). The cremation trend has been sweeping across our nation. It offers a more affordable, flexible alternative to traditional burial. Best value direct cremation in the Atlanta Metro area with your local DFS Provider. Numerous reasons are cited for why…
April 30, 2026
Low cost simple cremation service

Affordable Direct Cremation: A Complete Guide to the Lowest-Cost Cremation Option

Learn how affordable direct cremation works, what cremation typically costs, and how families can save thousands compared to traditional funerals. Compare options and find trusted, low-cost cremation providers nationwide.
April 15, 2026
Find cremation costs near me

Low-cost cremation in Austin, TX

The market for low-cost direct cremation is competitive in Austin, TX. To help families understand the cremation options available to them and the costs involved, we have compiled this short guide to arranging a low-cost cremation in Austin. Until recent years, Austin's cremation rate was low, but the poor economic climate has resulted in a…
April 13, 2026
Affordable Cremation Services

Arrange a Direct Cremation in San Antonio for just $995

A guide to help families arrange an affordable direct cremation in San Antonio, TX. Money savings tips, comparison of local direct cremation prices & providers, and how to create your own inexpensive but beautiful memorial tribute in San Antonio.
April 13, 2026
Why direct cremation?

Affordable direct cremation in Monroe & NE Louisiana

Do you need a low-cost funeral alternative? Funerals can be expensive, and more families are finding themselves unable to meet the high costs associated with traditional funeral services. At DFS Memorials, we can help you save $$$ on funeral or cremation costs. We offer a simple, affordable direct cremation service package for just $1,695.  This…
April 3, 2026
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As Featured In

 

Cremation Association of North America [CANA]From Tradition to Transformation: Women, Doulas, & the New Shape of Cremation & Death Care.

2/4/2026

 

Answering Services for Directors [ASD] – Outdoor Cremation in Colorado

3/7/2013