Cremation Information

At Knight Funeral Homes and Crematory, the people who guide you through arrangements are the same individuals who carefully oversee every aspect of our on-site crematory. We believe deeply in caring for your loved one with respect, dignity, and complete transparency. For many families, being present for part of the cremation process can be an important step in healing, and we welcome you to participate in whatever way feels right for you.

Supporting You Through Cremation

Choosing cremation is not only a decision about disposition — it is also an opportunity to gather, to share stories, and to honor the life of someone you love. Our role is to support you through that experience, offering gentle guidance and helping you create a meaningful tribute that brings comfort and connection.

Ceremony can bring hope during difficult times. A thoughtful service or gathering allows family and friends to acknowledge the loss, share memories, and celebrate a life that was deeply valued. Every ceremony can be shaped around the personality, interests, and relationships of your loved one, making it as unique as the person it honors.

Choosing a Cremation Method

At our funeral home in White River Junction, we operate a traditional flame crematory. We also partner with a water-based crematory here in Vermont.



This selection can reflect your loved one's style, values, or personality and either option provides dignity throughout the visitation, service, and cremation itself. We offer a range of options to help you choose something that feels fitting and respectful.

Flame Cremation

This has been the standard cremation method used in the United States since 1876 when the first crematory opened. This process uses intense heat and direct flame and the cremation chamber, called a retort, reaches temperatures often ranging between 1,400 to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.

The high temperatures and direct flame exposure create specific chemical changes in the bone composition. The intense heat causes the bones to become more porous and brittle, making them easier to process into the final form.

The entire fire cremation process typically takes between two to four hours, depending on the size of the individual and the specific equipment used. After the cremation is complete, any metal objects (such as surgical implants or jewelry) are removed, and the remaining bone fragments are processed into smaller fragments to be returned to loved ones.

Water Cremation

Scientifically known as alkaline hydrolysis, water cremation uses a combination of water, heat, and an alkaline solution to break down the body's soft tissues. This process operates at much lower temperatures than flame cremation, typically ranging from 200 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The alkaline solution, usually potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, accelerates the natural decomposition process that would occur in soil over many years.

The body is placed in a specialized chamber filled with the water and alkaline solution. The combination of gentle heat, alkalinity, and time works to dissolve the soft tissues while preserving the bone structure. The process typically takes four to six hours, slightly longer than flame cremation, but uses significantly less energy due to the lower temperature requirements.

After the process is complete, the remaining bone fragments undergo the same processing as flame cremation remains, being reduced to a fine, uniform consistency. The liquid byproduct of water cremation is sterile and safe, containing only naturally occurring compounds like salts, sugars, and amino acids.

Personalizing the Ceremony

A ceremony offers a chance to share your loved one’s story and the moments that made them who they were. Whether you prefer something traditional or contemporary, simple or detailed, our team can help create a tribute that feels true to their memory.

Here are a few common ways families choose to gather:

Conventional Service

A visitation and tribute held before cremation. This time allows family and friends to gather, offer support, and share memories.

Memorial Service

A gathering held after the cremation has taken place. Loved ones come together to reflect, remember, and celebrate a life well lived.

Private Farewell

A small, intimate time for close family to say goodbye before cremation. This can be especially meaningful for those who wish for a quiet moment of reflection.

These options can be combined or customized to fit the needs of your family.

Memorialization & Choosing a Final Resting Place

Many families find comfort in selecting a lasting way to remember their loved one. This might include:

Memorial Urns

An urn becomes the final resting place for your loved one’s cremated remains. We offer a wide variety of designs, materials, and personalization options. Your choice may depend on whether the urn will be buried, placed in a niche, kept at home, or used for scattering.

Personal Memorials & Keepsakes

Some families choose multiple small remembrances — keepsake urns, jewelry, or other personalized items. These can hold a small portion of cremated remains, dried flowers from the service, earth from a burial site, or simply serve as a symbolic reminder.

These keepsakes allow different family members to hold a tangible connection to someone they love.