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 costs: Average cost of cremation in Minneapolis and St. Paul
Cremation is fast becoming the preferred funeral choice for many families, and the Twin Cities are no exception. One in every two opts for a cremation service. Although there are several reasons why families are turning to cremation as a disposition choice, one of the critical reasons is cost. Read on to find out how…
February 2, 2026
Arranging a low cost cremation in Ft. Lauderdale $765
Cremation is a very popular disposition choice in Florida, and this brief guide helps you arrange a direct cremation in Fort Lauderdale for just $765. There are so many cremation service options and providers to choose from that it can be very overwhelming. At DFS Memorials, we work only with licensed, reputable local cremation providers,…
February 1, 2026
A complete guide to scattering cremated remains
Suppose you opted for a cremation service for a family member and are considering an ash-scattering memorial. In that case, this ash-scattering guide will walk you through the safe way to scatter cremation ashes, the different options available to you, the laws on scattering cremated remains, and what service providers offer scattering service options. How…
January 30, 2026
A Guide to Cremation Costs in Texas
What is the average cost of a funeral in Texas today? Texans are using the internet to compare prices and get 'fairer 'best value' deals. So why not ensure we apply the same mentality to checking cremation costs? Traditional funerals are expensive. The average cost of a funeral service in Texas is $5,192*, excluding cemetery…
January 28, 2026
Cremation costs: How can I save money arranging a funeral in Phoenix, AZ?
The cost of dying these days is becoming as much of a concern as the cost of living! Funerals can end up costing thousands of dollars that we don’t have or simply do not want to spend on death care. With traditionalism in decline and families seeking alternative funeral options, especially those driven by cost,…
January 27, 2026
The Future of the U.S. Funeral & Cremation Industry
What Families Need to Know About Cremation Costs, Cremation Options, and Corporate Consolidation The U.S. funeral and cremation industry is changing faster than most families realize.What was once a local, family-run profession centered around traditional burial is becoming a high-volume, cremation-focused industry shaped by corporate consolidation, rising costs, and changing consumer needs. For families facing…
January 25, 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