A rental casket system includes a casket with a recessed side panel for ease of viewing. The casket includes a removable end piece which is one embodiment is located within grooves formed in the side panels of the casket. The grooves widen near the upper portion of the side panels and are partially covered by a top panel. The rental casket system includes a tray assembly that may be used as part of a cremation casket. The tray has short side walls and may include an inner assembly that prevents contact with a deceased when handholds in the tray assembly are used to move the tray assembly. The tray and a lid form a burial bell assembly that may be sealed for burial. The tray assembly may include side walls that are movably attached to end walls. Lid segments are provided with the tray so that the tray may also be used as an identification tray.