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
Selecting Affordable Funeral & Cremation Services in Irving, TX
Guide for families to find and understand affordable direct cremation options and providers in Irving, Texas.
March 26, 2026
How Much Does Direct Cremation Cost? A Complete Guide to Prices & Options
A comprehensive guide to cremation costs in 2026. How to understand price differences and find the most affordable cremation services near you.
March 23, 2026
Affordable Direct Cremation in Southwest Florida
Cremation is a popular disposition choice in Southwest Florida. It offers a cheap funeral alternative for those on a low income who need to keep costs to a minimum, and a simple, no-fuss option for retirees who just wish to have a cremation performed. DFS Memorials in Southwest Florida offers the best price for direct…
March 15, 2026
Natural Death Care: A Practical Guide to Family-Led Natural Burial and Home Funerals
As more families seek simpler, more environmentally friendly end-of-life choices, natural burial and family-led death care are becoming increasingly popular in the United States. Many people are surprised to learn that a traditional funeral home service is not legally required in most situations. In fact, families have the legal right in many states to care…
March 13, 2026
Arranging an affordable basic cremation in Toronto, ON
Cremation remains the preferred choice for many Canadians, with the national rate reaching 76.7% in 2024—a steady increase from 73.7% in 2020, although growth is slowing as rates approach saturation. This article provides easy steps to arranging a simple cremation in Toronto, ON: Your updated guide. In Ontario, this trend reflects broader shifts toward affordable,…
March 12, 2026
Cremation costs in 2026: Your Guide to Average Prices by State & City
Cremation is now chosen by more than 63% of American families — and that number is rising. Yet for most families, especially those arranging services under emotional pressure, understanding what a cremation actually costs remains genuinely confusing. Prices vary widely by provider, location, and service type, ranging from under $800 at the low end to…
March 6, 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