Cremation

On-Site Cremation Services for Ashland, OH Families

Cremation is a deeply personal decision, and families in Ashland deserve a provider who approaches every step of the process with the same dignity, respect, and attention to detail as a traditional funeral service. Located just 30 minutes from Ashland in Shelby, Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory operates its own on-site crematory, allowing your loved one to remain in our direct care throughout the entire cremation process. Unlike providers that rely on third-party crematories, we maintain continuous custody from the moment your loved one is entrusted to us until their cremated remains are returned to your family.

Owned and operated by Carli (Fichter) Bailey, Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory has served families with compassion and integrity for six generations, continuing a family tradition that began in 1895. We believe every family deserves honest guidance, clear communication, and complete transparency when making end-of-life arrangements. Whether you choose a simple cremation or a service that celebrates a life well lived, our experienced staff is committed to providing personalized care, answering your questions, and supporting your family with professionalism and compassion every step of the way.

What Sets Our On-Site Crematory Apart

Many funeral homes near Ashland outsource cremation to third-party facilities, which can mean longer wait times and less direct communication. Because our crematory is part of our own facility, Ashland families avoid both of those concerns.

Uninterrupted Care

From the moment your loved one is brought into our care, they remain with us through the entire cremation process. There's no transfer to another company and no loss of oversight along the way.

Shorter Wait Times

Handling cremation in-house means we aren't dependent on another provider's schedule, which typically allows Ashland families to receive their loved one's cremated remains sooner.

A Single Point of Contact

Questions about scheduling, documentation, or the process itself go directly to our staff, the same people personally responsible for your loved one's care, rather than a separate cremation company.

Cremation Services We Offer

Direct Cremation

For families who prefer a simple, unattended cremation without a formal viewing, we offer this option with straightforward, itemized pricing.

Cremation Preceded by a Traditional Service

Many Ashland families still want a visitation or funeral service before cremation takes place, allowing loved ones the chance to gather and say goodbye in person first.

Cremation Followed by a Memorial Service

If your family prefers to celebrate life after cremation, we can help arrange a memorial gathering at our funeral home, a local church, or another meaningful setting in the Ashland area.

Urns and Memorial Keepsakes

We offer a selection of urns and keepsakes so your family can choose something that reflects your loved one's life and your family's traditions.

Reaching Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory From Ashland

We're located at 33 N Gamble St, Shelby, OH 44875, roughly 25 miles from Ashland. The drive takes about 30 minutes via SR 39 West, a direct route that doesn't require highway transfers. Our staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so an Ashland family facing an immediate need can reach us anytime at (419) 342-6356.

Cremation Trends in the Ashland Community

Ashland, home to Ashland University and a long tradition of close-knit, faith-centered families, has seen cremation become an increasingly common choice, much like the rest of north-central Ohio. We've built our on-site crematory to give Ashland families a trustworthy, nearby option without losing the personal, family-run care that has defined our funeral home for well over a century.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cremation actually performed on-site, or is it outsourced?

It's performed entirely on-site at our Shelby location. We're one of the only funeral homes with an on-site crematory between Mansfield and Norwalk, so your loved one never leaves our direct care.

Can Ashland families still hold a visitation before cremation takes place?

Yes. We routinely arrange visitations, funeral services, or memorial gatherings either before or after cremation, based on what feels right for your family.

How quickly can cremation be completed?

Timing depends on required paperwork and permits, but because we handle cremation in-house, Ashland families generally see faster turnaround than they would through a funeral home that outsources the process.

What does cremation typically cost?

We provide clear, itemized pricing for direct cremation and cremation-with-service options, so Ashland families know exactly what's included before making a decision.

What should I do if a loved one passes away outside normal business hours?

Call us at (419) 342-6356 any time, day or night. Our staff is available 24/7 to begin coordinating care immediately.