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.

Author Contributions on US Funerals Online

Recent Articles Published

Cremation costs online arrangment

Online Cremation Arrangements or Pre-planning Online

How to Plan a Simple, Affordable Direct Cremation Online — From Anywhere In today’s digital age, families increasingly expect to handle major life decisions — including end-of-life planning — online. The funeral industry has evolved with that demand, and online cremation arrangements are now a mainstream way to secure a dignified, affordable disposition without setting…
January 16, 2026
Why direct cremation?

What does a direct cremation cost in Deltona, FL – $995

Today, more and more families are choosing a simple, more affordable funeral option.  Be it that they cannot afford to spend thousands of dollars on a funeral, or simply want a 'no fuss' alternative.  Direct cremation is the cheapest funeral alternative in Deltona. For those families in Deltona who do not want to overspend on…
January 15, 2026
Low cost simple cremation service

What is the average cost of a cremation in Arlington, VA?

This simple guide to cremation services and the average cost of a cremation in Arlington will help families seeking an affordable cremation option. Whether you are dealing with an immediate need or planning ahead to manage funeral expenses for your family, we are here to help guide you. Cremation Packages & Costs in Arlington, VA…
January 14, 2026
Why direct cremation?

Affordable Cremation in Central Florida $995

Cremation is a popular choice in Central Florida.  Florida has a retirement population, many of whom opt for cremation as an inexpensive and convenient means to make final arrangements. The cost of cremation services can play a significant part in this decision, as a direct cremation can be arranged in central Florida for just $995…
January 8, 2026

Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) in North America

Understanding the U.S. and Canadian Approaches Medical Aid in Dying, commonly referred to by the acronym MAID, is an increasingly discussed end-of-life option across North America. While both the United States and Canada recognize MAID as a lawful medical practice under specific conditions, an important and often overlooked detail is that the acronym MAID does…
January 7, 2026
Natural burial

Green Burial: An affordable and environmentally-friendly alternative death care option

Learn about natural burial or home funeral and green direct burial as an affordable alternative to cremation. Eco-death options to reduce emisisons & carbon footprints.
January 7, 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

 

Answering Services for Directors [ASD] – Outdoor Cremation in Colorado

3/7/2013