Montana has one of the highest cremation rates in the country. But within the state, western and eastern Montanans look at it differently. Rick Evans has worked in the funeral business for over twenty years. As a funeral director he's counseled thousands of families, and seen a lot of changes.
Montana has the 6th highest cremation rate in the country, with about 6 out of 10 people choosing cremation. Evans says Missoula is the highest in the state, with 80% of family members choosing cremation, 20% picking traditional burials. Kalispell is close, at about 70%. Bozeman a little lower at about 60%. But on the other side of the state, and in smaller communities those stats are reversed. Evans believes the decisions are based on political, religious and cultural influences.
Douglas Waters, the Director of the Missoula Cemetery says he's seen a spike in cremations, but he believes its for a different reason. He says during tough economic times, cash flow may play a role. A traditional burial can cost around 4,000 dollars, a cremation costs around 1,000.
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