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

Preparing for a loss - how to cope with anticipating a death

Direct cremation cost in San Francisco, CA

Check out our guide to cremation costs in San Francisco. Cremation is not only a popular choice for families in the Bay Area but also an affordable funeral option today.  In some counties in California, particularly around the Bay Area, cremation accounts for over 90% of the funerals conducted. California has always been a ‘progressive’…
December 20, 2025
Why direct cremation?

Arranging an affordable cremation service in Daphne, AL

If you need to arrange a simple and affordable cremation, we have put together this guide to help you.  In fact, you can arrange a simple, basic cremation for just $1,550. The average cost of a traditional funeral in Daphne is $6,930*, and this does not include cemetery costs, so it is understandable that many families…
December 19, 2025
Direct cremation and hidden charges

County-Funded & Low-Income Cremation Services: What Help Is Available for Families in the U.S.?

When Money Is Tight, You Still Have Options When a loved one dies, families are often forced to make funeral decisions quickly—sometimes within days. For families already struggling financially, this can feel overwhelming and frightening. Many people assume that if they cannot afford a traditional funeral, there are no alternatives. That is simply not true.…
December 15, 2025
Why direct cremation?

A guide to arranging a direct cremation in San Diego, CA

Want to know how to arrange a dignified funeral at an affordable cost? We have put together this guide to help you understand how you can save thousands when arranging a funeral.  We have teamed up with a local affordable cremation provider in San Diego to offer families simple, affordable cremation options. Why choose cremation services in…
December 13, 2025
Low cost simple cremation service

Guide to arranging a direct cremation in Las Vegas

The cremation trend is changing the way we think about arranging a funeral.  Opting for a simple, direct cremation allows families to save thousands of dollars on funeral costs while also giving them back more control over the funeral and memorial process. Read on to find out more about how to arrange an affordable direct…
December 12, 2025
How to scatter cremation ashes in water

Arranging a direct cremation in San Bernardino, CA

Want to know how to arrange a dignified funeral at an affordable cost? We have put together this guide to help you understand how you can save thousands when arranging a funeral.  You can arrange a simple, inexpensive cremation for just $1,045 in San Bernardino! Why choose cremation services in San Bernardino? Cremation offers an…
December 6, 2025
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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