When my second wife was dying, she called around and found the cheapest crematorium in the Salt Lake City area. Then she had a friend make an industrial strength cardboard coffin. Instead of a funeral, we threw one last party for all the friends and relatives. People laughed and cried, got drunk or stoned, and all said goodbye to her while she could still appreciate the sentiments.
When she died, we boxed her up and had her cremated. Total cost was under $600. Funeral homes are not necessary for everyone.