FAQ: Burial Services

There are three main costs associated with ground burial. The first is the burial space, or "interment right". In Stillwater the approximate cost of a grave space is $800-$1000. In other areas of Payne County the cost could be anywhere from "free" to around $800. In both instances burial spaces for cremated remains may be less, or one space may be used for  the burial of two or more urns.

The second cost is the digging and filling in of the grave, or the "opening and closing". Depending on the day of the week, and if a tent and chairs is also required, costs average around $1200 to $1800. Costs for weekends and holidays can be more than double, and costs for cremation burials may be less.

The final cemetery expense is a permanent marker or monument. These costs vary dramatically due to type of granite, size of marker, cemetery installation expenses, etc. As a general rule, simple single cemetery monuments range from around $800 to $2500. Companion or double markers are more. These price ranges are not quotes. Please call our monument specialist, Laura Deaton, at (405) 372-5550 for more information.

Embalming is a simple procedure that allows family and friends the opportunity to see the deceased. Seeing is important to many as a means to internalize the loss and say goodbye. 

Most importantly, embalming allows flexibility for scheduling visitations and funeral services and can be used for both burial and cremation options.

Embalming is not required when there is no viewing or visitation, or in cases of direct burial or "green" burial. In these situations the deceased is placed in temperature-controlled temporary storage until burial or cremation takes place.

At Strode, burial caskets start at $1495; cremation-related caskets start at $995. Caskets are not required for "green" or natural burial. For complete information see our "Casket Price List" on this web site.

At most area cemeteries, a rigid outside container (such as a burial vault) is required to surround the casket inthe grave.

This helps to keep the weight of the earth (approximately 3000 lbs) from crushing the casket and causing the grave to sink.

A burial vault can also help keep the casket clean and dry, which is a concern for some but not all families.

We can explain which cemeteries require an outside container, and can review all available options, features, and benefits. 

As with caskets, you can view our outer burial container prices on our web site.

The first step is to purchase a cemetery space, or to give us owner information of any space that has been previously purchased.

We will then confirm that the space is available, and confirm any additional requirements or charges.

We will also arrange for the digging of the grave, as well as any tent, chairs, or other equipment needed.

Nearly all families choose to purchase permanent memorialization for their loved one.

Some cemeteries may supply a small "temporary marker" but it is only intended as a placeholder until a permanent headstone or grave marker is set in place. 

We operate a local marker and monument business, and can help you design and order the monument. Our monument specialist is Laura Deaton, and she can be reached at (405) 372-5550.

A direct burial is when the deceased is taken directly from the funeral home to the cemetery and buried without any services, ceremonies, or family present.

With a direct burial there is no opportunity for viewing, visitation, or service with the body present.

Direct burials are scheduled at the time that is most convenient for the cemetery and the funeral home, and again no family members or friends are present.

If family or friends are present, or if the burial is scheduled according to the needs of the family, then it is a graveside service, not a direct burial.

A graveside-only service is when all funeral-related activities are held at the gravesite. 

A committal service is when the deceased is taken from the place of the funeral (such as a church or the funeral home) to the cemetery, and a brief "committal" service is held. 

A chapel limited service is where all funeral-related activities take place in our funeral chapel and the deceased is taken to the cemetery by funeral home staff and buried without any procession or committal service.

This can be appropriate for small services, or services during bad weather.

The cost of a chapel-limited service is often less than a full-service funeral with a committal service.

The exact answer to this question largely depends upon the services, products and cemetery you've selected; but a good rule of thumb is to expect to pay at the time the service contract is signed (at the time of the arrangement conference, or soon afterwards). Speak with your funeral director to learn more.