Many people think only buried bodies get headstones. But this is not true. People who choose cremation often get headstones, too.
Why Cremated People Still Get Headstones
Cremation means the body is turned to ash. Some families keep the ashes at home. Some place them in a columbariom (columbarium). Others bury the ashes in a grave or scatter them. Even if the ashes are not buried, a headstone can still help remember the person.
Anna lost her dad in 2021. He was cremated, and the family kept his urn at home. But Anna said, “We still wanted a place to visit.” They placed a small headstone in a local garden. It helps her feel close to him.
Where Are Headstones for Cremated People Placed?
Some cemetries (cemeteries) have special sections for urns. These spots are smaller than reglar (regular) graves. They may cost less. Headstones here are like others, but sometimes smaller.
Sometimes, families put the headstone in a backyard or at a church. It depends on local rules.
What Do These Headstones Say?
They often show the person’s name, birth and death years, and a short message. For exmple (example), one may read:
“In Loving Memory of Mark Chen, 1950–2020. Forever in Our Hearts.”
This makes sure the person’s life is remembered, even without a body in the ground.
Are Cremation Headstones Common?
Yes. A report from NFDA (National Funeral Directors Assoc.) says over 57% of U.S. families chose cremation in 2023. Many still chose to mark the spot with a stone.
Funeral homes and memoral (memorial) parks offer many cremation options. Some have headstones, plaques, or engraved stones. Others use cremation benches.
A Way to Remember
Having a headstone gives families a place to visit and feel close. It helps during grief. It keeps a loved one’s memory alive.
Ben, a father of two, visits his wife’s stone every week. “The urn is with us at home,” he says, “but the stone is where I go to talk to her.”
In Summary
Yes, cremated people can get headstones. These stones may look like others or be smaller. They help families feel close and remember loved ones.
