Montanans Are Choosing Cremation In Extremely High Numbers

Now that I'm middle aged and dealing with some health issues, I decided to look into the whole dying thing.

I'll be honest, while thinking about death isn't a great time, I do take some satisfaction in knowing that I have a say in what happens to me once I depart this life. When I was younger, the thought of being buried under ground freaked me out, and now the idea of being sealed in a box freaks me out, so I'm planning a cremation.

It seems I'm not the only Montanan doing so.

According to Montana State University the majority of Montanans are being cremated. In fact, the average is far ahead of the National Average when you compare the numbers. I mean, it makes sense. It's cheaper, and more portable. I'm not trying to be morbid, but it's true.

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One of the benefits is that if your family were to move and say, leave the state, they can take you with them.

How many Montanans are being cremated?

According to the data almost 80 percent of Montanans are planning cremation. Think about that, 8 out of 10 people are choosing to not be buried.  I often joke with my wife that once I'm gone, she can put my ashes on the mantel so I can watch her new husband....she doesn't think that's funny.

Another benefit of cremation is that your ashes can be spread in different places or in a place that was special to you. Now, I'm not sure what the laws are on that, so either you need to check, or just risk it. I would certainly check first if it was me.

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Oh, and in case you are thinking about Yellowstone or Glacier, you can have your ashes spread in National Parks, you just have to get a permit.