Immediate help after a loss
We are here to help. Call us when you are ready, and we will work with your funeral director on the rest.
Take a breath. You do not have to do everything today.
When you lose someone, it can feel like everything must happen at once. Most of it can wait. Here is what matters first.
If the death was unexpected, call 911
If the person died at home under hospice care, call the hospice nurse instead. They will guide you through the next hour.
Call your funeral home
Tell them you want a green burial at Ascend Green Burial in Dellroy. Let them know embalming is not required, and that refrigeration or dry ice is preferred. If you do not have a funeral home yet, call us and we can talk through options.
Call us
We will check the date you have in mind, answer questions, and work directly with your funeral director. You do not need to fill out a form.
Choose a shroud or simple casket
It must be made of natural, biodegradable material, such as untreated wood, wicker, cardboard, cotton, wool or linen. We approve it ahead of time so there are no surprises on the day.
Decide how your family wants to take part
Some families carry the body to the grave, read, sing, or help fill the grave by hand. All of that is welcome, with our staff alongside you.
Call us any time you are ready
Call or text. From 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., we answer within 2 hours. If we cannot pick up, or you reach us after 9 p.m., leave a message or send a text with your name and number. We will get back to you within 2 hours, or after 7 a.m. the next morning.
Email: ascendburial@gmail.com
The day of the burial
We need at least 72 hours' notice to prepare a grave. Tell us early if your faith calls for a quick burial and we will do all we can to make it work.
What your funeral director will need from you
- Who has the legal right to make decisions about the burial. In Ohio this is often a person named in writing, a spouse, or next of kin.
- Permission for the burial and a death certificate, which the funeral home files to get the burial permit Ohio requires.
- Your choice of shroud or casket.
- Clothing for your loved one made of natural fabric such as cotton, wool, silk or linen, with no synthetic thread, elastic, plastic or metal.
Your funeral director will also remove any pacemaker or other battery-powered medical device and confirm this to us in writing. That is a safety requirement.
Funeral directors can find the full checklist on our page for funeral directors.
Things families often ask in the first days
Can we still have a viewing without embalming?
Often, yes. Ask your funeral home about a short viewing with refrigeration or dry ice instead of embalming. If embalming is truly needed, for example for travel or a delayed service, it must use a nontoxic product approved by the Green Burial Council.
What happens in winter?
Most burials can go ahead year round. If the ground is frozen, flooded or unsafe, we may need to move the date. If that happens, we will work with your funeral director on caring for your loved one until the burial, and we will keep you informed.
What does it cost?
The plot is $2,800 and opening and closing the grave is $1,500, for $4,300 in total. Both are paid before the burial. Funeral home charges are separate. See the full price list.
What if family members disagree?
We can only follow the person with the legal right to decide. If there is a dispute, we will pause until it is settled in writing or by a court. We know this is hard, and we will be patient with you.
Grief is heavy. If you need someone to talk to, your funeral home or hospice can connect you with grief support. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, any time.