Ocala Cemetery | Cemetery.com

Planning a Funeral in Ocala, FL

A traditional funeral in Ocala may start with a visitation, which provides an opportunity for mourners to pay their last respects, as well as visit with and support one another. Visitations may include an open or closed casket, display an urn with cremains, or not incorporate remains at all. Some families choose not to have a visitation or to keep the visit private.

Most funerals will include a service that is open to the public to honor the deceased and may include readings, songs, and speeches about the deceased. If the remains are being interred, guests will traditionally move to that location following the service so that the remains can be laid to rest.

Funeral traditions may be impacted by the faith and culture of the deceased and their family.

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Highland Memorial Park

Since 1936, Highland Memorial Park has provided a peaceful, elegant everlasting resting place. As a perpetual care cemetery, Highland Memorial Park places great importance on the veneration of family legacy and tradition.

This beautiful 55-acre facility was founded on the principle of generational care, and preserving the final resting places of the deceased for all time. The guiding belief of Highland Memorial is that a cemetery should act as a nature park, inviting visitors and grieving family members to experience natural beauty as they honor their departed loved ones.

For more about the facility and procedures there, or to contact Highland Memorial Park, Schedule a Meeting or request additional information from the facility directly.

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Near-Term & Immediate Planning

Family members making at-need funeral plans after a loved one dies can be a tough experience dealing with intense emotions and managing grief. Imminent financial concerns may also add to the stress of everything. Making funeral arrangements relieves family members of some of the stress of organizing and catering. Get step-by-step guidance that will make it easier to find, prepare, and make arrangements. Our Planning Center includes the option to schedule virtual and in-person meetings with a specialist, and make arrangements. These resources offer assistance for immediate needs and pre-planning.

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Immediate Planning

Immediate-need planning may include assistance throughout the process, finding intimate and unique settings, flower arrangements, headstone creation, writing an obituary, transportation arrangements, planning for a veteran, customizing a burial, planning cremation and a memorial, and more. We are here to help. Schedule a free one-on-one consultation with a funeral or cemetery specialist by phone, in person, or virtually.

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Free Funeral Planning Guide

Download our free burial & funeral planning guide for step by step guidance and a detailed checklist for funeral arrangements.

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Complete this request form and receive a copy of the Cemetery.com Pre-Planning Guide & Checklist by email.

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Resources for Funeral Planning in Ocala, FL

Cemetery.com offers resources to find a funeral home or cemetery in the Ocala area. We will find and schedule an arrangement meeting with an expert who can plan the necessary steps. Cemetery.com offers all types of resources to help plan funerals, including a glossary of terms that may be unfamiliar to those planning a funeral for the first time.

Funeral Terms Cemetery Terms

Cemetery & Funeral Costs in Ocala, FL

The cost of a funeral varies based on location and the type of arrangements. The average cost of a funeral in Florida is $7600. For a traditional full-service burial in Ocala, the average is $7125, with more affordable burials available for about $3000.

Cremations services tend to be lower cost, with a full-service cremation in Ocala costing $5581 on average and a direct cremation having an average cost of $1692.

Pre-planning for funerals with an insurance policy or funeral fund can help cover the cost of a funeral.

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Cremation & Memorial Services in Ocala, FL

Memorial services are a common option following cremation. There are a wide variety of options for a memorial service in Ocala, Florida that can give friends and family a chance to say farewell without a graveside service.

Often, a memorial service is held following cremation to honor and commemorate the life of the deceased. These services can be held at the funeral home, a place of worship, at the home of the deceased or a family member, and many other gathering places. If timing is a factor, this service can be held without cremation remains present and prior to the cremation itself.

If choosing to scatter the ashes of the deceased, this can be done during the memorial service, or later in a more private gathering at a different location.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service?

A funeral service is held to commemorate the life of a deceased person when the body is present and prepared for burial. A memorial service is held to commemorate life when there is either no body present or cremation remains are present. Either of these may also be called a “celebration of life” which typically has no set definition.

Is burial or cremation better for me and my family?

There is no fixed answer here, as each person’s wishes, values, and beliefs may differ. Based on practical purposes to do with expense and timing, one option may be better than the other. If you have questions, cemetery.com can help when making this decision.

What if I am a veteran or the loved one I am planning for is a veteran?

Contacting the local branch of the Veterans Affairs office is typically the best way to check for Veteran benefits for cremation or burial. This will also be a necessary step if a national cemetery is selected for burial. The funeral director may also be able to point you in the right direction, and give you information on who to contact, especially concerning financial assistance for burial or cremation.

Can I purchase multiple cemetery plots next to each other at the same time?

Yes, many cemeteries allow for the purchase of adjacent plots or even a small row of plots by a family. Some cemeteries also offer sectioned-off family plots that are delineated by decorative fencing or some other border that makes it clear the plots are related.

What can I do to show my support and condolences in Ocala, FL?

There is no right or wrong way to express condolences, and what you choose to do will likely depend on a variety of factors. Calling, texting, or visiting those who have experienced a loss can be great ways to show support and to express sympathy. Sending food or otherwise taking care of meals can also lessen the burden on them during their time of grief.

Do I need a burial permit in Ocala, FL?

A funeral is a service to commemorate a deceased individual with the body present. A memorial service involves memorializing the person without the body. The deceased individual’s ashes might be present at a memorial event.

How much does cremation cost compared to a burial?

Cremation typically costs around 30% of the total cost of a funeral. Many families and individuals opt for cremation as a less financially-burdensome option than burial.

Can you be buried without a casket in Ocala, FL?

Florida law does not require a casket for burial. However, some cemeteries may require one, so you should always check with a representative of the cemetery in question.

How long will I be grieving the loss of my loved one?

Unfortunately, there is no set timeline for the grieving process and each person will go through it differently. Everyone processes loss differently, and it may be unhealthy to try and rush through the process of coming to terms with a loss. We recommend speaking with a professional grief counselor that can guide you through your own individual experience of loss.

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Cemeteries & Funeral Homes in Ocala, FL