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.
Recent Articles Published
What is a direct cremation service? A simple and affordable alternative
It is common knowledge that the United States is experiencing a cremation trend, but perhaps less widely acknowledged is the growing demand for direct cremation services. A direct cremation is a simple cremation without any ceremony or additional services offered by the funeral services provider. Find providers near you --> Some funeral service providers call…
June 7, 2026
Simple cremation in Raleigh, NC
If you have an immediate or imminent need for a simple, affordable cremation in Raleigh, we can help you arrange everything for one low price of $1,196. Families’ attitudes to funerals are changing, and cremation offers families greater flexibility in arranging end-of-life services. We understand many families want a simple, “no fuss” option that can…
May 21, 2026
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
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
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
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
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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