Cemetery selection is important but difficult, and these FAQs can help you and your family make the best decision in a difficult time.
Just as you would want to be sure that the issuer of a life insurance policy will be there to make a payment, or that the manufacturer of your car can stand behind its warranty, you want to be sure that the cemetery you select will be there for the long term, and will take proper care of its grounds.
As you consider this important decision, we recommend asking the following questions.
WHO OWNS & OPERATES THE CEMETERY?
The Cemetery Association of Belvidere is a nonprofit whose mission is to preserve and protect the cemetery, its history, and its landscape.
Cemeteries may be family-owned, part of a for-profit chain, church-owned, or a nonprofit. It is important to be comfortable with the owner, the mission, and the way the property is operated and cared for.
DOES THE CEMETERY HAVE AN ENDOWMENT?
Cemeteries incur significant expenses over time for continuous upkeep and repairs. When the cemetery reaches capacity, the endowment becomes its sole source of funds. Similar to a large park with many roads and monuments, basic upkeep for a cemetery can run into hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars annually.
If a cemetery does not have a sizable endowment, be sure to ask how it plans to care for the cemetery in perpetuity.
WHAT KIND OF RECORD KEEPING SYSTEM DOES THE CEMETERY MAINTAIN?
WHAT AM I BUYING?
It’s important to note that you do not actually own the lot, crypt, or niche. Instead, think of it as a perpetual lease with rights of use — the common term is “right of interment.” This should be spelled out in the purchase contract. You do, however, own any marker or monument that you purchase and place on a lot.
WHAT ARE THE CEMETERY'S, AND MY OWN, OBLIGATIONS FOR MAINTENANCE?
Unless a cemetery has elected to become an “endowed” or “perpetual care” cemetery, or makes commitments within its sales contracts, it has no obligation to take care of the grounds. In general, “endowed” or “perpetual care” refers to basic care, such as keeping the grass mowed and roads cleared. It does not cover monument cleaning or repair, or grave landscaping. The pristine maintenance of the cemetery grounds, gardens, and buildings, in perpetuity, depends on the cemetery’s mission and its endowment.
You do not have any obligations, per se. However, because you own the marker or monument, if you wish to have it periodically cleaned or repaired, it will be at your expense. Some cemeteries offer “special” or “enhanced” care contracts, which may provide for regular cleaning or special landscaping. Bellefontaine offers these services and encourages families to plan for future care.
With many thousands of interments, the ability to keep meticulous records over many decades is very important. Select cemeteries have sophisticated software systems that may allow for digital storage of photos and family records.
What are the rules for Decorations?
1. No planting of flowers, shrubs, bushes, or any other vegetation of any kind, is permitted on lots or graves.
2. Live plants must be placed in runs or vases.
3. Only two appropriate decorations are allowed per burial space. The Sexton, in his or her sole discretion, shall determine whether an item is appropriate. Breakable items are not permitted, and will be removed. Artificial flowers should be securely fastened. No items that interfere with mowing are permitted from March 1st through November 15th. Any such items will be removed.
4. Flag holders will be allowed in the above ground monument are only. All flag holders shall be installed in the monument foundation only by employees of the Association. Flags will be removed if they become torn or faded.
5. The Association reserves the right to regulate the method of decorating burial spaces so that a uniform appearance may be maintained. Upon prior permission of the Sexton, in his or her sole discretion, extra items will be allowed on a grave 3 days before and 3 days after a special date, such as a birthday or anniversary.
6. Flowers left after the funeral will be allowed to stay on the grave for one week. If they become unsightly before that time, they will be removed at the discretion of the Sexton.
7. One shepherd hook per grave will be allowed and may remain on the grave year-round. No urns or planters are allowed in the area of flush markers. No items may be attached or placed on memorial benches.
8. No coping, curbing, fencing, borders, rock, bark or like materials are allowed unless prior approval is obtained from the Sexton, in his or her sole discretion. Any non-approved materials will be removed.
9. The cemetery performs a clean-up twice a year. Spring clean-up starts on April 1st and winter clean-up starts on November 1st. All decorative items must be removed by those dates. During clean-up, the cemetery staff will remove and dispose of all decorations on the ground, all flowers that are out of season, and any decorations that are inappropriate or unsightly. Winter greens and grave blankets will be removed in March if weather permits. Invertible vases must be inverted November 15th through April 1st. The Association is not responsible for any damage done to winter items if a nearby grave is opened.
