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
What Is Direct Cremation? A Complete Guide to How It Works, Costs & Options
A comprehensive explanation of what direct cremation is, other terms used, such as no-ceremony cremation, why it has become so popular today, legal documents - authorizations & cremation permits, and typical costs and inclusions vs. exclusions.
March 25, 2024
Comparing direct cremation costs and reviewing cremation providers
As I mentioned in Understanding Direct Cremation, the cost of a direct cremation can vary quite significantly, so it would be wise to compare direct cremation service packages from more than one cremation provider. Many within the industry are skeptical of "discount cremation providers," suggesting they offer an "inferior" service. This can be attributed to the…
March 25, 2024
Arranging an affordable cremation service in Abington, PA – Just $1,295
Do you 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 on funeral costs. In fact, you can arrange a simple, basic cremation for just $1,295! The average cost of a traditional funeral in Abington Township…
March 23, 2024
Simple and affordable cremation services in Scranton, PA
Funerals need not be as expensive as many people have been led to believe. The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) surveyed the average cost of a funeral, which is $7,484, without any cemetery fees included. Adding in cemetery plot fees brings the average cost to $8,508. For many families today, spending nearly $9,000 on funeral…
March 23, 2024
Guide to cremation and cremation costs in Reading, PA
Over 60% of families are now choosing cremation for their funeral needs. A major reason for this is that cremation is way cheaper than a traditional burial. It is also much more flexible and can facilitate the immediate disposition of the deceased without the immediate need for a funeral service. This short guide aims to…
March 23, 2024
Arranging a direct cremation in Reno
Want to know how to arrange a dignified funeral at an affordable cost? We have put together this guide to help you understand how arranging a direct cremation in Reno can save you thousands. Why choose cremation services? Cremation offers an inexpensive and versatile alternative to a burial service. Opting for cremation services can save…
March 22, 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