In the United States, traditions surrounding death and mourning are as diverse as the cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs of the people who observe them. These practices offer families ways to honor their loved ones, find closure, and support each other during a time of loss. While customs can differ widely from family to family, here are some of the most common ways people in the U.S. honor their loved ones after they pass away.

For those of us who’ve spent hours squinting at old census records or deciphering cryptic handwriting in musty family Bibles, cemeteries can feel like a breath of fresh air—or at least, less dusty. Imagine the thrill of finding great-great-grandma’s gravestone, with her full name beautifully etched in stone, as opposed to guessing whether that “M. Johnson” in the 1850 census was really Mary or maybe her elusive twin, Martha. And if you’re lucky, her epitaph might give you a little extra, like ‘Beloved wife and champion pie baker.’ Now that’s the kind of family legacy we can all get behind!

Family plots are like one-stop genealogy shops. No digging through a dozen online forums—just a quick stroll, and there’s grandpa, great-aunt Sally, and cousin Joe all in one spot, laid out like a family reunion. Only quieter.

In Texas, a state with rich cultural diversity, funeral rituals reflect various religious, cultural, and traditional practices. However, several funeral customs are particularly common across the state. There has been a lot of press regarding the increase in the non-affiliated but there will always be those who follow deeply held religious beliefs, especially regarding death and the afterlife. We honor them all at Martin Oaks Cemetery & Crematory.

The Kübler-Ross stages of grief provide a foundational lens through which to view loss, but they are by no means the final word on how humans process grief. Over time, new theories and critiques have emerged, highlighting the diversity and complexity of grief in the modern era. Whether we adhere to these stages or adopt newer models, the key lesson is that grief is not a problem to be solved, but an experience to be lived, however it unfolds for each person.

We may think our loved ones will have it all figured out when we pass, but do they really? What about the ashes of your grandparents sitting in eternal peace in the closet? Do your grandchildren really want them in their closet when it’s time to sort through your belongings? It may or may not surprise you that, in most cemeteries, ashes can be buried along other ashes or a full casket all in one grave.

John Wesley Hardin's death was only the beginning of the saga surrounding his final resting place. The line between hero and villain is often blurred beyond recognition.

The evolution of modern funeral practices reflects a broader shift towards embracing individuality, leveraging technology, and considering environmental impact. These changes not only offer more choices to grieving families but also contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate approach to commemorating the lives of our loved ones.

Tom Landry's impact on the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL as a whole is immeasurable. Beyond the wins and championships, he shaped the very fabric of the sport with his innovative strategies and unwavering commitment to excellence. The legacy of Tom Landry continues to influence and inspire generations of football enthusiasts, and his contributions will forever be etched in the annals of NFL history.

Blossoms of Resilience—A Griefs Journey to Healing

People choose cremation over burial for a variety of personal, cultural, and practical reasons but it isn’t surprising that many people choose both. Yes, you can bury cremated remains in a cemetery plot with a headstone and graveside ceremony if desired. Here are the top five reasons why people opt for cremation.

Amidst the hushed grounds, you may notice an array of intriguing and seemingly secular symbols etched upon tombstones, silently communicating messages from the past.

For those choosing cremation, ashes can be honored in many creative and meaningful ways. While some options are unconventional, there are many more traditional things you can do with cremated remains to memorialize someone who has died. All of these options allow you to keep their memory alive in a way that feels personal and special to you.

A personalized monument is an excellent way to commemorate the life of someone you care about. From choosing the material and design elements to deciding on an inscription, grave monuments can be customized in any way imaginable. With a personalized monument, you can ensure that your loved one's memory will remain alive forever.

At Martin Oaks, we have developed and implemented Identification and Chain of Custody processes and procedures to make sure that it is your loved one who is returned to you or is placed in their final resting place as expected.