We are a full-service funeral home and cremation service in Scottsdale, AZ, and neighboring areas. We have been family-owned and operated for more than 100 years, and our years of service attest to the quality of our work.
Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home has a modern and upgraded facility, and our beautiful rooms are large enough to accommodate large and small gatherings. Our dedicated staff can assist you in making the best decisions for your family, and we provide a comprehensive range of services and merchandise. Call us at (602) 840-5600 for all your funeral and cremation needs.
Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home was established more than 100 years ago, in 1903. As the decades have passed and the offerings have expanded, this long-standing family-centered business has become a prominent funeral home and cremation provider in Scottsdale, AZ. This institution's legacy has always focused on compassionately serving the final needs of deceased persons and their families with a high degree of integrity.
Maintaining the highest ethical principles, a deep sense of service, and a desire to relieve suffering have allowed our business to grow into a respected firm within the industry. We understand that our clients often come to us shocked and vulnerable. People must have a place to turn that will be transparent and honest in a time of great need. We treat people as we want our loved ones and ourselves to be treated.
Starting Points for Service Styles Surrounding Funeral Home and Cremations in Scottsdale, AZ
Commemorative honoring services are designed to help us honor those who have passed away. However, these services are actually held to benefit those who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. Grief counselors almost universally agree that the opportunity to pay your final respects to the deceased can be highly beneficial to the start of the healing process. There are many ways to validate this loss and help bring a sense of closure.
Recognizing that there are many different approaches to faith or religious practice (or none), there should be a safe place to uphold your specific traditional or cultural beliefs that are important to you and your family. We have supported tens of thousands of families from many different walks of life and affiliations in honoring their loved ones. Our experts carefully work with you to find the best starting point and build and design the services with your guidance.
Traditional Full-Scale Funeral Services:
A full funeral service can be a very formal event if that is wanted. A family visitation with (or without) a public viewing is often held before the funeral service. Funerals tend to be held shortly after the death date since the deceased remains will be present for the service.
Graveside Ceremony:
This event is held at the burial plot's location. It could be restricted to immediate family and close friends or extended to a more extensive gathering if the family wishes. A memorial service may also be held sometime after a graveside ceremony.
Memorial Events and Services:
Memorials are similar to funerals in that they pay tribute to and recognize the life of the one who has passed. The most significant difference between memorials and funerals is that the deceased's body is not needed to be present at the memorial service. This can make timelines easier to work with if preparations are required for the service.
Complete Cremation Services:
The process transforms the intact deceased body into cremated remains. The resulting "ashes" can then be laid to rest as desired.
Understanding Cremation Services and Common Myths
Even though cremation has become more commonplace, we often dispel some persistent myths in our discussions with clients. Cremation can only be performed for one person at a time. The procedure is highly secure and highly regulated to protect consumers. Cremation is usually less expensive than casket burial.
It is possible to have both a funeral service and cremation in Scottsdale, AZ, for the same individual. When this is selected, the funeral services should be held first. If a public viewing is to be scheduled, the body can even be embalmed and presented in a sanitary, rented casket for the services. Upon completion of the funeral events, the body will be taken to the crematory for the cremation services to be performed.
What Happens During the Cremation Process
At Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, we are often asked about the cremation process and how it works. Cremation is a method of respectfully handling human remains by exposing them to intense heat, which reduces the body to bone fragments and gases. The process is carefully controlled to ensure accuracy, dignity, and adherence to legal and ethical standards. Below is a detailed breakdown of the steps involved:
1.Preparation
The process begins with meticulous preparation. The deceased is placed in a combustible container, such as a wooden or fiberboard casket, specifically designed for cremation. Before this step, any items that could interfere with the process, such as medical devices, jewelry, or metallic components, are removed. A metal identification tag, resistant to heat, is attached to the body or container. This tag remains with the remains throughout the procedure, ensuring they are always correctly identified.
2.Cremation
The cremation chamber, or retort, is preheated to temperatures between 1,400°F and 1,800°F. This high heat facilitates the decomposition of the organic material. The body is carefully placed in the chamber, which is sealed to maintain a controlled environment. During the 2 to 3 hours of the process, the intense heat reduces the body primarily to bone fragments, which remain after soft tissues are vaporized.
3.Cooling
Once the cremation cycle is complete, the remains are transferred to a cooling chamber. This step ensures the fragments are safe to handle and prevents damage to the processing equipment used in subsequent steps.
4.Processing
The cooled remains, consisting primarily of bone fragments, are placed into a specialized machine called a cremulator. This machine applies mechanical force to refine the fragments into a powder-like consistency, often resembling coarse sand. This step ensures the remains are uniform and suitable for placement in a final container.
5.Storage or Return to Family
The processed remains, commonly called cremated or ashes, are carefully transferred to an urn or a sealed container selected by the family. The container is labeled and returned to the family based on their preferences for memorialization, scattering, burial, or storage.
Key Details About Ash Volume
The volume of cremated remains is influenced by the individual's skeletal structure, not their weight. Adults typically yield 4 to 6 pounds of ashes, while children and infants leave proportionally less. In cases involving newborns, the remains may be minimal or absent due to the predominance of cartilage over bone.
Additional Insights on Cremation
Advancements in cremation technology ensure the process is environmentally responsible, with many modern crematories equipped with systems to reduce emissions. The procedure follows strict state and federal regulations, ensuring compliance with ethical standards and respect for the deceased and their loved ones.
This systematic process reflects Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home's deep care and professionalism to every family we serve, providing clarity and peace of mind during difficult times.
Simple Ways to Begin Your Pre-Need Arrangements
Preparing for the future can bring peace of mind to yourself and your family members who expect to live beyond you. Making death care arrangements before they are needed is simple: You can get started by clicking on our easy-to-use online forms. Appointments can also be scheduled in our facility with our expert staff to guide you through the process.
Call or Stop In to Secure an Appointment
For needs surrounding funeral homes and cremations in Scottsdale, AZ, we invite you to contact the competent and caring staff at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home at any planning stage. Make an appointment to find out how we can help you by calling (602) 840-5600 or stopping in to see us at 4800 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018.
Funeral Home and Cremation FAQs
How Do You Preplan a Funeral?
Preplanning a funeral involves deciding between burial or cremation, selecting a casket or urn, and outlining service details such as music, readings, and who will deliver a eulogy. It’s also essential to decide on a cemetery plot if applicable, discuss your preferences with a funeral home, and document your wishes for your family. This thoughtful preparation eases the emotional and financial burden on loved ones while ensuring your arrangements reflect your personal desires. Preplanning can bring peace of mind, knowing everything is handled in advance.
What Type of Casket is Best?
When selecting a casket, consider the material, the wishes of your loved one, and your family’s preferences. Wood and metal caskets are popular choices, with metal options like bronze, copper, and stainless steel offering durability and resistance to corrosion. Reflect on what the deceased might have wanted, perhaps incorporating their personality or favorite wood type. A full-couch lid can be a thoughtful option if there won’t be a viewing or if an open-casket service isn’t suitable.
How Do You Get Over the Death of a Loved One?
Coping with the loss of a loved one begins with acknowledging your grief and allowing yourself to feel your emotions fully—whether it’s sadness, anger, or tears. Lean on trusted friends, family, or a grief support group for comfort, and prioritize self-care through healthy routines like eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Be patient with yourself, as grief has no set timeline, and seek help from a therapist if it feels overwhelming. To honor your loved one, consider meaningful gestures like creating a memory box, planting a garden, sharing cherished stories, or performing rituals celebrating their life.
