Memorial Services
The Importance of Ceremony—Even with Cremation
At Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, we believe that every life deserves to be honored, remembered, and celebrated. Cremation is one option for final disposition—it does not replace the value of gathering with loved ones to reflect, grieve, and begin the healing process.
Memorial Services Bring People Together
Whether you choose to hold a traditional funeral before cremation or a memorial service afterward, bringing family and friends together in one place provides something deeply meaningful: connection. A memorial service offers a time to share stories, express emotions, and support one another. It becomes a space for remembrance—an opportunity to say goodbye, to honor a life well lived, and to begin the journey toward healing.
Grief Needs Ceremony
Grief is a natural response to loss, and ceremonies help give it structure. Rituals like lighting candles, reading favorite passages, or playing meaningful music can offer comfort and create lasting memories. Even simple gatherings can provide a sense of peace and closure that is difficult to find alone. At Michelotti-Sawyers, we’ve seen firsthand how these moments matter—how they help people process their grief and take the first steps forward.
A Personal Tribute, Your Way
We’re here to help you create a service that reflects the unique life of your loved one. Whether formal or casual, intimate or large, faith-based or not, we can help you plan a ceremony that feels right for your family. From our chapel to your home, a favorite park, or any meaningful setting, we’re committed to honoring your wishes with care and compassion.
Cremation gives you flexibility—but it doesn’t mean you have to give up the healing power of a meaningful goodbye. Let us help you create a tribute that brings comfort, connection, and lasting memories.
For more information on why and when cremation is chosen, please let us know.
Traditional Funeral Service followed by Cremation
Many families find meaning and beauty in a traditional funeral service. With a traditional service combined with cremation, you can still choose to have a final viewing, visitation or wake, and a funeral service. However instead of a traditional in-ground burial, the funeral will be followed by cremation. Depending on your wishes, the cremated remains may be either returned to your family for storage in an urn, scattered, or interred in a columbarium.
Cremation with Memorial Service to Follow
The memorial service can be held in our chapel, a church, or any other venue the family chooses. We work with our families to design a service that honors their loved one with stories, music, and scripture. We also have life celebrants that lead services where clergy may not be chosen. Our celebrants are trained in creating experiences that help start the healing process.
Private Family Visitation Followed By Cremation
This option provides a more intimate visitation experience that is limited to just immediate family members. Following the visitation, the cremation will take place on-site at Michelotti-Sawyers.
Graveside Service
A graveside or committal service is typically held immediately following the funeral
service and cremation at the cemetery of your choosing.
Please note: we offer exclusive burial and interment allowances at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park with package purchase through Michelotti-Sawyers.
Direct Cremation
Direct cremation is for families who prefer cremation without a viewing, visitation, or funeral service of any kind. This is the most cost-effective cremation option for your loved one.
Online Cremation
Online cremation is a service being exclusively offered by Michelotti-Sawyers to families
that can’t make it to Billings for in-person arrangements with a funeral director. If a family lives out of state and prefers for the cremated remains to be safely and securely mailed to them, this is a cost-effective and efficient option.
Please note: the arrangement process is limited to online, email, and phone support with
a funeral director.
Other Cremation Options
There are many other cremation options available to families at the funeral home. Our Funeral Directors will be more than happy to discuss alternative options in-person or over the phone.
