At my mom’s funeral we had no body or casket or urn of ashes (she was cremated). It actually seemed a little odd to me, to have nothing of her there, but as someone else said it was really for all of us, and it was immaterial if any of her corporeal remains were there–actually or symbolically. We may have called it a “memorial” service but I don’t recall.
[QUOTE=Cunctator]
Catholics would disagree. The funeral mass can be offered both for the repose of the deceased’s soul and for the comfort/mourning of relatives and friends.
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I forgot about that variation in theology and its consequences for the deceased. I hope I have your indulgence for my omission! 
When your body is willed to science ,this is also the case. I was at a church ceremony held in such a case. It seemed to me very clean and simple. I think they had what appeared to be an empty casket. Lots of pictures were around.
[QUOTE=adam yax]
How are funerals handled when there is no body of the deceased? Iask because it looks like a family friend has lost his daughter and her body may not be recovered. Generally, would they still take a plot at a cemetary and get a headstone? Would another form of memorial be used, since cemetary plots are becoming rather valuable?
I don’t think that there is any one single answer to this question, if it is to IMHO, please do move it.
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Many opt for a memorial service in lieu of a funeral.
Of course there is little if any difference but the name.