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
Mailing cremated remains with USPS
Update: March 1st, 2025 USPS has announced a revision to the shipping of cremated remains. All shipments must now use the USPS Priority Mail Express Cremated Remains box (BOX-CRE). This special box will make identifying cremated remains in transit easier and ensure careful and swift delivery. It will replace the Label 139 system with effect…
April 4, 2025
Best 5 direct cremation providers in Houston, TX
Choosing a direct cremation service in Houston, Texas, can be a cost-effective and straightforward option for honoring a loved one. In this post, we explore five reputable, affordable, and local cremation providers in the Houston area. These 5 top-rated cremation service providers all offer budget-friendly direct cremations and easy arrangement processes. You can choose an…
March 23, 2025
Affordable funeral or cremation in Biloxi, MS
A funeral need not cost you an arm and a leg! Although a traditional funeral can run into thousands of dollars, there are more affordable options. This article explores low-cost cremation alternatives and how to find an affordable funeral services provider. What is the average cost of a funeral in Biloxi? The National Funeral Directors…
February 18, 2025
Funeral costs: Arrange an affordable funeral or cremation in Jackson, MS
Death can be an expensive business! According to the National Funeral Directors Association's figures, the average funeral costs around $9,000, not including cemetery fees. On the other hand, you can find a low-cost cremation in Jackson for just $1,195. Apart from the fact that 76% of American families are struggling paycheck to paycheck these days…
February 17, 2025
Online Memorial Pages & the Role of Technology After Cremation
How to set up an online memorial page and use technology — live-streaming, video tributes, and digital keepsakes — to memorialize a loved one after a direct cremation.
February 13, 2025
Arranging an affordable cremation service in Riverside, CA
Want to know how to arrange a dignified cremation at an affordable cost in Riverside? We have compiled this guide to help you understand how to save thousands when arranging a funeral. In fact, you can arrange a simple, affordable cremation for just $1,045. The average cost of a traditional funeral in Riverside is $5,762*, which…
February 1, 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