Direct Cremation in Northern Kentucky: What It Includes

Cheryl Darpel • November 2, 2026

Direct cremation is the simplest way to choose cremation. Your loved one is cremated soon after death, without a visitation or service beforehand. Some families hold a memorial later, on their own schedule, and some choose none at all.

Families across Northern Kentucky, from Covington to Florence, ask us the same questions about it. Here are plain answers.

What direct cremation includes

With Ronald B. Jones Funeral Home, direct cremation includes:

Bringing your loved one into our care, day or night
The services of a funeral director
The permits and authorizations Kentucky requires
The cremation itself
An online obituary on our website
Return of the remains in a temporary container, or in an urn you choose

Direct cremation doesn't need a casket. Your loved one is cremated in a simple container. Embalming isn't required by law, except in certain special cases.

The paperwork Kentucky requires

Before a cremation can take place, Kentucky requires the coroner's approval. It also requires a cremation authorization signed by the person with the legal right to decide, usually the closest next of kin.

We prepare the forms and walk you through them. We also file the death certificate and order certified copies for you.

How long it takes

Usually 2 to 3 days. When a death happens in Kentucky, we can usually move very quickly. When it happens in Ohio, the doctor has to sign the death certificate before the cremation can go ahead, and that sometimes takes longer. We keep you posted while we wait.

Can family be there?

Yes. If you would like to be present for the cremation, family members are welcome. Some families find it brings peace. Just tell us when we plan together.

Bringing your loved one home

Most families pick up their loved one's remains from us at the Bentley House in Ludlow. If you prefer, we will bring them to you, or ship them to family who live farther away. Cremated remains can only be shipped through the U.S. Postal Service, and we take care of the packaging and shipping.

Where the remains can rest

Burial in a family plot or a new grave, at cemeteries such as Highland, St. Mary, or St. John in Fort Mitchell, Mother of God in Fort Wright, Floral Hills in Taylor Mill, or Forest Lawn in Erlanger
Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North in Williamstown, for eligible veterans and their spouses
Scattering in a place that mattered to them, with permission where it is required
Keeping the urn at home, or sharing a small portion in keepsake urns for family members

For Catholic families: the Church permits cremation. It asks that the remains be buried, or placed in a mausoleum or a columbarium, a wall of small niches for urns. They should not be scattered, divided, or kept at home.

A memorial, now or later

Choosing cremation first doesn't rule out a service. Direct cremation with a service adds a memorial afterward, at the Bentley House, your church, or a favorite place, with the urn present. If you would like a visitation and funeral before the cremation, full service cremation may fit better.

What it costs

Call us at 859-431-0072 and we will go over prices by phone, or ask for our price list. We explain exactly what each option includes before you decide.