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
Cremation Laws in the US: What You Need to Know Before Arranging a Cremation
Cremation is governed by strict state and federal laws. This guide explains the key legal requirements — authorization forms, permits, waiting periods, and crematory regulations — so your family knows exactly what to expect.
April 21, 2024
Save money on funeral costs with a simple, dignified cremation service in Tennessee
Funerals have become an expensive affair these days, and as more families are struggling to put food on the table, the sudden responsibility for death care costs can present a financial crisis for some families. The important thing to know is that there ARE more affordable alternatives to an expensive funeral. Read on to find…
April 16, 2024
How to arrange a low cost cremation in Knoxville, TN?
Cremation is now becoming a preferred choice for many families in Knoxville. It offers a simple and affordable solution for families seeking inexpensive funeral alternatives. If you are considering cremation and want to learn more about your options and how much cremation costs in Knoxville, this brief article should help you. $1,295 direct cremation service…
April 16, 2024
Cremation Ceremony Options: Choosing How to Honor Your Loved One
Choosing cremation doesn't mean skipping a ceremony. This guide explains every cremation ceremony option available — from traditional funerals to celebrations of life, scattering ceremonies, virtual tributes, and more.
April 11, 2024
Cremated ashes remain unclaimed as Social Security becomes responsible for more unclaimed bodies
The cost of death care can be crippling when you are already on the breadline. More Americans are searching for help with funeral expenses from social security, and funeral directors are finding themselves supporting families with social security financial aid claims. What happens if the surviving family cannot afford to pay for a basic cremation…
April 9, 2024
Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services in New Jersey
Today, more funeral consumers are requesting simple cremation services. This trend is said to be driven by several cultural changes—economic, environmental, people migration, declining religiosity, and baby boomers. Whatever the reason, cremation is changing our perspectives on funeral options and end-of-life alternatives. This short guide aims to provide you with an overview of how to…
April 8, 2024
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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