On-Site Cremation Services

We have had our own crematory since 1984, operated by our own licensed staff,

to ensure that your loved one never leaves our care.

The Billow family has cared for Summit County families since 1875. In 1984 we became the first funeral home in the county to build and operate our own crematory. More than forty years later, we still operate it ourselves.

Knowing exactly what happens, and exactly who is caring for your loved one, is what brings clarity and peace of mind for your family.

One set of hands

Every person who moves your loved one is a licensed member of the Billow staff, in a Billow vehicle. Your loved one is never released to an outside cremation company.

One address

Cremation takes place at our own crematory within our Fairlawn Chapel on North Miller Road, which families can tour by appointment.

One answer, whenever you ask

At any hour of any day, and we can tell you exactly where your loved one is and who is with them.

What to Expect at the Billow Funeral Homes

From the first call to the moment we place the urn back in your hands: exactly what happens, and exactly who is doing it.

STEP ONE

Transfer Into Our Care

When we bring your loved one into our care, whether from a hospital, a hospice, a nursing facility, or home in Akron, Fairlawn, Cuyahoga Falls, or surrounding communities, they come into the care of our own staff.

The funeral director who takes your first call stays with you through every step that follows. You will never be handed to a stranger or have to wonder where your loved one is.

STEP TWO

Preparation & Care

Because dignity and respect are owed to every member of our community, we gently wash, dress, and prepare your loved one with the same care we would give a member of our own family.

This is not a formality, and it is not an extra. It is what we do for everyone in our care, every time.

STEP THREE

A Private Goodbye

We believe families should have the opportunity to say goodbye meaningfully and honorably. Having this physical form of closure with someone you love is part of what puts you on a good path forward.

Our private viewing rooms give your family quiet, unhurried time together, without the formality of a traditional service. Even when no ceremony is planned, you are welcome in our funeral home to say goodbye with dignity. There is no charge for it.

STEP FOUR

Walking the Final Steps

Some families find meaning in walking the final steps with their loved one, the same way a family walks together to the graveside at a cemetery.

You are welcome to accompany your loved one to our cremation chapel before the committal. You will not be standing apart. You will be walking with them, so that they are not alone.

STEP FIVE

Receiving Your Loved One Back Into Your Arms

When the time comes, we place your loved one's urn back into your hands ourselves, with the same care and quiet respect that has guided every step before it.

The second question families ask

My loved one just wants cremation. Why not use the lowest cost provider?

You may have heard the term "direct cremation," or your loved one may have stated that cremation is what they would like for their final wishes. It is worth knowing what that means, because it does not mean the same thing everywhere.

At a low-cost provider, direct cremation means what it sounds like: your loved one is picked up, held, and cremated. Nothing else happens. No washing and dressing, no private goodbye, no care of a licensed director who knows your name. Those are either unavailable or billed as additions.

At The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, everything we describe here is included. Not as an upgrade, and not as something you must know to ask for. We believe in service held to a standard rather than service negotiated down to a cost. It is what every family receives.

Tour Our Privately

Owned Crematory

If you would like to walk the final steps with your loved one, our privately owned crematory makes it possible. Come and tour both our newly renovated Fairlawn funeral home and cremation witnessing space.