Research from Parting Stone finds one in three families with cremated remains have not decided what comes next

A Parting Stone study reveals families in limbo — carrying comfort and guilt, wishing for more people to talk to.

Santa Fe, N.M., Sept. 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New research from Parting Stone finds one in three families who receive cremated remains haven’t decided what to do with them; a growing number of Americans in limbo.

The study found 34.5% of families are in limbo. Families struggle most between six months and two years after receiving the ashes.

The U.S. cremation rate reached nearly 63% in 2025 and may approach 82% by 2045, meaning roughly two million families receive a loved one’s remains each year.

“Families aren’t lacking information, they’re lacking a decision that feels right and people to make it with,” said Justin Crowe, founder and CEO of Parting Stone.

Additional findings:

• Among families in limbo, 38% are not at peace and twice as likely to feel guilty about not deciding where to place their person.
• More than four in ten holding cremated remains (42%) wish they had more people to talk to, 56% among those in limbo.
• Younger Americans are far more likely to be in limbo than older generations.
• The barrier is emotional, not informational: just 7% say they don’t know their options. The top reason for waiting is that deciding “feels like letting go,” cited by nearly four in ten.
• Avoidance is widespread: more than eight in ten (83.5%) feel numbness or avoidance at least occasionally.
• Readiness is there: two in three families (65%), and 70% of those in limbo, would welcome a new way to honor their loved one if it felt right.

The findings point to memorialization as a shared, ongoing process rather than a single task. 

To explore the research, visit https://partingstone.com/research/ash-reckoning 

About Parting Stone
Parting Stone pioneered solidified remains, a new form of remains for families choosing cremation. Instead of ashes, families receive a collection of 40–80+ smooth stones. Funeral home partners offer the choice during arrangements by asking, “Would you like ashes or stones?” Since 2019, Parting Stone has served more than 14,000 families. The company is headquartered in Santa Fe, N.M. For more information, visit partingstone.com. 

Heather Holmes
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