SecureView: Raising the Standard of Cremation Identification

The process is straightforward:

A photo of the deceased is uploaded to the SecureView platform.

A secure link is generated and sent to the next-of-kin.

The family member logs in, views the photo, confirms identity, and uploads their own government-issued ID.

The funeral home receives a secure, timestamped confirmation record for its files.

Everything is encrypted, temporary, and HIPAA-compliant. No special software is needed. Each case costs just a few dollars—pennies compared to the risks you’re protecting against.

Why Proper Identification Matters

Cremation is permanent, and the stakes are high. Misidentification can result in devastating lawsuits, damaged reputations, and lifelong distress for families. One recent case led to a $60 million lawsuit when the wrong person was buried.

Industry leaders agree: “No identification, no cremation, no exceptions.” Waivers aren’t enough. Identification by the authorizing agent—preferably with documentation—is the gold standard and often a regulatory requirement.

SecureView gives you a secure, consistent method to perform this crucial step, especially when families can’t be there in person.

Peace of Mind for Families

SecureView is especially helpful for families who are out of town or unable to travel. Rather than arranging a rushed in-person viewing or resorting to emailing photos (a major liability), families receive a secure link and complete the ID process on their own time. They’re involved, reassured, and respected—no matter where they are.

In an era where remote participation is becoming the norm, this tool bridges distance without compromising dignity or security.

Protection for Your Business

It provides verifiable proof of identification, protects against legal action, and reinforces your professionalism. The cost is negligible compared to even one legal consultation, let alone a lawsuit.

You’re also giving your staff a reliable, repeatable workflow and a clearer paper trail—especially useful in high-volume or high-risk situations.

A New Standard for Cremation

SecureView isn’t just a tool—it’s a movement toward higher standards in cremation care. As cremation rates rise and families expect more convenience, SecureView helps funeral homes meet both the ethical duty of identity confirmation and the practical need for documentation and protection.

Adopted by professionals who understand the real-world pressures of funeral service, SecureView is setting a new benchmark for what it means to do things right.

Batesville Delivers Unprecedented Value with Industry’s First 28” Interior Width Wood Caskets that Fit in a Standard Vault

BATESVILLE, Ind., June 2, 2025 – Batesville, a leading provider of high-quality burial and cremation products, innovative technology solutions and a trusted partner to funeral directors, cemeterians and crematory professionals, announced the launch of two new patent-pending oversize hardwood caskets engineered to provide a full 28 inches of interior width, while still fitting into a standard vault. The latest additions to its Dimensions^® oversize casket collection, the Bailey 28 and Clifton 28 include the company’s Family Choices^® personalization features, providing greater flexibility and more value to funeral directors and families.

“We believe all families should have choices in how they remember and celebrate their loved ones, regardless of disposition, product size or personal style,” Jenn Parvin, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer at Batesville. “This year, around 75,000 funerals will require an oversize casket, and we are proud to be able to provide feature-rich, cost-effective solutions to help grieving families have better funeral experiences.” 

Recognized as an innovation leader, Batesville’s patent-pending construction and design provide approximately 1 inch of additional interior width without adding to the exterior dimensions. This allows these caskets to fit in a standard size burial vault, a significant cost advantage for a family compared to the price of an oversize vault. The Bailey 28 and Clifton 28 represent an industry first in the oversize wood category, and complement Batesville’s current Dimensions line, which already includes a selection of 28-inch metal caskets that fit into a standard vault. 

Thoughtful design that delivers unprecedented value.

Research shows that 75% of funeral consumers recognize the value of personalization when choosing a product for a loved one. The Bailey 28 and Clifton 28 give families the personalization options they desire in a larger shell that avoids the added expense of an oversize vault or larger plot, helping to reduce their overall burial costs. Based on two of the company’s most popular wood designs, these new oversize models can be presented from standard Bailey and Clifton caskets, reducing space requirements in the selection room and minimizing inventory costs. 

Both models include Batesville’s proprietary Family Choices personalization features at no additional cost and are suitable for burial or cremation (dual disposition). 

• Bailey 28: The beautiful satin Pecan finish and embossed swingbar are accentuated by a Khaki Linwood fabric interior and Charpente interior system, creating a warm elegant appearance. Constructed of Select Hardwood and Veneers, the Bailey includes four Family Choices corner designs at no additional charge. Available in half and full-couch models.

• Clifton 28: This solid hardwood casket has a Victorian Cherry stain and Rosetan Crepe     interior with a dual overlay for added flexibility. The built-in LifeView^® Decorative Panel can be personalized with family photos, mementos and one of more than 80 LifeStories^® corner or medallion designs. Its competitive price makes it even more attractive to families. 

Both products will be available in CSCs across the US and Canada in early June.

Blending form and function to meet families’ needs. 

Since introducing the Dimensions oversize product line in 2004, Batesville has continued to adapt and enhance this collection with new materials, finishes, designs, and features. Today, the company has a comprehensive line of oversize models in a wide range of styles, price points and sizes, with interior widths from 27 to 33 inches. All Batesville and NewPointe^® metal and wood oversize caskets offer personalization features to enhance family satisfaction.

For more information on the new Clifton 28 and Bailey 28 or other Dimensions products, please visit www.Batesville.com or contact your Batesville sales representative.

ABOUT BATESVILLE SERVICES, LLC

Batesville (www.Batesville.com) is a recognized leader in the deathcare industry in North America, offering a comprehensive portfolio of burial and cremation products, innovative technology solutions and an unparalleled array of personalization and memorialization offerings. For more than a century, Batesville has supported deathcare professionals in helping families honor the lives of those they love.^® A history of manufacturing excellence, product innovation, superior customer service, and reliable delivery helped Batesville become – and remain – a market leader. 

OGR’s PROGRESS 2025 Conference Sets New Standard for Innovation and Collaboration in Funeral Service

Indianapolis (May 14, 2025) – The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) proudly announces the resounding success of its signature event, PROGRESS, held May 6–8 at the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, California. This year’s conference marked a transformative milestone, uniting independent funeral professionals and suppliers from around the world under a bold new vision of innovation, adaptability, and forward momentum.

“PROGRESS is more than a name—it’s a call to action,” said Wendy King, CAE, CVA, Executive Director and CEO of OGR. “This year’s event embodied our commitment to advancing the profession and fostering a community dedicated to excellence.”

The 2025 gathering welcomed attendees from 13 states and six countries, creating a vibrant and diverse community focused on shared learning and progress. The conference offered optional excursions such as a wine tour of Temecula’s renowned vineyards, a guided visit to Forest Lawn Cemetery in Covina, a tour Thomas Miller Mortuary & Crematory, and a historical exploration of the Mission Inn Hotel’s famed catacombs. 

Educational programming began with the OGR Annual Business Meeting, setting the stage for two days of learning and networking. The opening keynote, “Leadership Lessons from the Happiest Place on Earth,” offered insights into Disney’s customer service excellence and leadership strategies, providing attendees with actionable takeaways to enhance their own practices. The opening keynote, sponsored by Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions, was followed by an interactive session on AI and ChatGPT with Dr. Rich Yeuh (University of California, Riverside). Education continued with “Fostering the Future: Industry-Education Partnerships Supporting Funeral Service Students and Staff,” featuring speakers Shivon Ozinga (Forest Lawn Cemetery) and Jolena Grande, CFSP, A.S., B.S., M.F.S., M.S., (Cypress College) to discuss the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and the funeral service industry. This session was sponsored generously by The Dodge Company.

The second day of PROGRESS began with “Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Funeral Service: Hiring, Retaining, Motivating, and Team Development for Business Growth,” a dynamic panel featuring Gregory McClary, CFSP (Chapel of the Chimes Funeral Home), Larnique Mickens, MBA, CFSP, CCSP (Heritage Mortuary, Inc.), and Keysha Licea (Thomas Miller Mortuary & Crematory). The panelists explored innovative solutions for staffing challenges specific to independently owned funeral homes. They emphasized actionable strategies such as wellness programs, mentorship pathways, and purpose-driven job descriptions, all aimed at building compassionate, high-performing teams that support long-term growth.

A high-energy marketing session followed, titled “Future-Proof Your Funeral Home: Marketing for 2025 and Beyond,” broken into three distinct topics. Welton Hong (Ring Ring Marketing) demystified online marketing tactics for funeral homes, emphasizing the power of search optimization and pay-per-click advertising for at-needs, and social media for preneed. Ryan Thogmartin (DISRUPT Media) expanded on this by sharing proven techniques for creating engaging, effective content across digital platforms. Mary Barnett (Another Brilliant Idea) closed the session with a compelling presentation on using empathetic, AI-powered marketing tools to boost engagement and conversions without losing the human touch.

A highlight of the event was the Golden Circle Celebration Dinner, sponsored by Homesteaders Life Company, where OGR recognized individuals and firms that exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and compassion in funeral service. The celebration also marked the official induction of the 2025-2026 Board of Directors and included a record-breaking fundraiser for the OGR Foundation to provide scholarships for mortuary students to attend OGR programming such as PROGRESS and the Future Leaders Forum. 

The conference concluded with a session from Justin Zabor, CFSP, (The Zabor Funeral Home) titled “Funeral Arrangements to Die For.” This session focused on elevating the funeral arrangement conference, offering advanced communication and rapport-building techniques that foster trust and client satisfaction. Justin’s session served as a fitting finale to the event—grounding attendees in the human-centered mission of funeral service while empowering them with tools for measurable improvement.

OGR is grateful for the continued support and partnership with the sponsors of this year’s event, which include Access Financial Group, Air Essentials, Inc., ATTEND, Full-Circle Aftercare, Funeral Home Gifts, Garfield Refining, Homesteaders Life Company, Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions, Nomis Publications, and The Dodge Company.

“This reimagined conference represents our shared commitment to growth, excellence, and continuous innovation,” said Kim Hunter, President of the OGR Board of Directors. “We are excited to build upon this momentum and continue shaping the future of funeral service.”

OGR is excited to announce that PROGRESS 2026 will take place in Louisville, Kentucky, from May 5–7, 2026. The event promises to build on the success of 2025, offering new opportunities for connection, education, and advancement for funeral professionals across the world.

For more information about PROGRESS and the International Order of the Golden Rule, please visit www.ogr.org/PROGRESS.

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About the International Order of the Golden Rule

Since 1928, the International Order of the Golden Rule has been the leading professional association dedicated to promoting high ethical standards and outstanding service of independently owned funeral homes in the funeral and memorialization profession. OGR members represent the elite in the industry, consistently providing compassionate and personalized care to families in their time of need. OGR is headquartered in Indianapolis. For more information, visit www.ogr.org.

I’m big on the concept of memorialization.  My life is better because those relatives that came before me left a history of their time on earth for me to grasp onto.  That history consists of their burial places marked with memorials at our local cemetery as well as photos and newspaper articles about who they were that has given me a greater sense of who I am?

And, as I look into the future I have tried to decide how future descendents of mine will learn about me via a memorialization process.  I’m pretty certain that I’ll be buried at the same cemetery as my ancestors so that when looking at my memorial stone these future descendents (and anybody else) will see a name of someone who “lived”.

While that may be enough “memorialization” for me, there is a whole new generation of people in this world who are being brought up in what, for them, is an almost complete “digital world”.  For those people there is no file cabinet of papers or old physical newspapers or tangible photos to go through. . . . . .this ever growing group of people live in a digital world.

It makes sense then, that their memorialization process will very likely be digital also.  The question that we have in today’s world is “What will that look like?”

Architect Alex Josephson contemplated that question as he was sitting with his hospitalized father back in 2020.  And, as this recent article from Fast Company points out, Josephson had questions about the legacy his father may leave.  Here’s a quote from Josephson in that article, “I knew my father was more than just a date of birth and a date of potential death.  And I think everybody could say the same about their loved ones.”

Josephson went on to contemplate the following according to that article, “Memorializing a person and capturing the essence of who they are should be much more than a line or two of data inscribed on a rock. (Josephson) started thinking of what else could be done, particularly in an age awash in digital media, to create a more representative memorial of a person.”

It was out of that thought process that the company Cumulus was born.  . Here is what the article says of Cumulus, “It’s evolved into a collaborative digital memorial platform where more of the depth of a person’s life—in the form of photos, videos, audio, documents, and weblinks—can be collected and shared. Josephson sees it as a place where a person like his father could have a more comprehensive life story and memorial, and one that he could work on himself before he dies.”

Josephson explains Cumulus as such, “In a sense, it started with the physical monument being a limited medium for the message.  My vision for Cumulus is it becomes the place where you curate that message, the digital assets that have become our formal existence on the earth outside of our relationships, and create a meaningful place for them.”

The company is recently coming out of Beta-mode and, according to the article, has signed up funeral home and cemetery operator Park Lawn Corporation as one of its first customers.  Here’s part of, from the article, what Park Lawn Corporation executive Jay Dodds says of the idea of Cumulus, “The funeral and cemetery business is about legacy. It’s about keeping a memory or remembrance alive forever for a family. And as the trend moves more towards cremation, it somewhat takes the cemetery out of the picture because they don’t need to bury the full remains in the cemetery. . . . . I’ve been in this business for 40 years. What people don’t understand is once you have a loved one who dies, that doesn’t mean the relationship stops. You still have a relationship.  Cumulus is a connectivity piece. And humans need that connectivity.”

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Funeral Director Daily take:  What is interesting about Cumulus is that while it is about the legacy that will be left as a memorial, the people that are most interested in creating these memories are living and in the ages of between 30 and 50.  Here’s what the article says about that situation, “They’re the ones faced with mortality because their parents are either arranging their plans or they’ve had to deal with it on a surprise basis. And so the people who end up having to do the work are between that age bracket. . . . . This is also a generational group of people who have seen more and more of their lives recorded or documented in digital media, but who have few good options for collecting and curating it all.”

I’m not the most digital-savvy guy in the world, but I can see opportunity for Cumulus.  I also see this type of memorial being fine-tuned as technology changes and advances.  Reading the article gave me a much bigger perspective on differing ideas and possibilities for future memorialization that all funeral directors should be aware of.

That being said, there is a lot of people and money in “Digital Memorials” at this time.  I think that no one company has it “figured out” yet, but the opportunity for the first company that “gets it right” is big and should provide a very big upside over the next two to three decades. . . . In my opinion, the idea of the “correct” style of digital memorials is a play for the long-haul of Death Care, not simply for next week.

Here is the website for Cumulus

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