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
5 of the Best Affordable Cremation Services in San Francisco, CA
San Francisco’s high cost of living extends to end-of-life services, making affordable direct cremation an attractive option for many families. Cremation rates in the Bay Area are significantly higher than the national average, which is now at around 62%. Direct cremation has become a popular choice for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Direct cremation, which involves…
June 7, 2025
How to arrange an affordable cremation in Palo Alto, CA
Do you need to know how to arrange a funeral at an affordable cost? We have put together this short guide to help you understand how you can save thousands when arranging a funeral. In fact, you can arrange an affordable direct cremation for just $995 in Palo Alto. The average cost of a traditional…
June 1, 2025
How to arrange a low cost cremation in Fresno – $995
These days, saving money wherever possible is becoming increasingly imperative, and this is no exception when it comes to arranging a funeral or cremation. Why should you pay thousands of dollars for something you can arrange for much less? You can arrange a low-cost cremation for just $995 in Fresno. We have compiled this guide…
June 1, 2025
Guide to Cremation Costs in Pennsylvania
This guide will help you understand cremation costs in Pennsylvania. The different service options available, the legal requirements for cremation, and how to set up an affordable cremation plan. Breakdown of cremation costs in Pennsylvania Below, we have included some of the best-priced cremation costs in Pennsylvania. Call your nearest DFS Memorials cremation provider now…
May 23, 2025
Arranging a low-cost, direct cremation in Sacramento, CA
More families today are choosing cremation as their preferred funeral choice. It can be significantly more affordable than a burial service and offers greater flexibility. California has a higher cremation rate than most states, with some counties reaching 80%. What factors should I consider when choosing a cremation? You need to consider what kind of…
May 17, 2025
Understanding funeral & cremation costs in Los Angeles, CA – Low cost direct cremation
Funeral costs are a concern for many families today. Not only can many of us not afford an elaborate and expensive funeral, but more people are deciding that they want something more simple and affordable. It can seem overwhelming trying to work out exactly what a funeral will cost in Los Angeles and work out…
May 15, 2025
Connect on LinkedIn
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