Missing Decorations
We understand that you have come here to report your decorations are missing, and we are sorry that this has been your experience. As our workers also have family buried in the cemetery, we understand the situations that occur and we also understand your feelings of being upset and frustrated as we have experienced the same issues for our loved one's that are buried in the cemetery.
Did the workers remove my decorations?
The likely answer is no. Decorations are removed throughout the entire cemetery generally once per year in February. We always put up signs over a month in advance before doing a cemetery cleanup. During this time we remove all decorations from every grave. We give the families plenty of time to remove any items they wish to keep.
If you notice your decorations missing from your grave, but nearby graves still have decorations then it was not the cemetery unless you had something on the grave that was a safety hazard. Any item that may be a safety hazard is outlined in our Prohibited Items list and will be removed without warning. If we need to remove an item that looks expensive or looks like it would have sentimental value then we generally store it in an area near the garage.
The cemetery has issues during the grass growing season with graves that are highly over-decorated. In instances like this the grass and weeds grow very high between the decorations and we have noticed rodents living within the decorations/weeds which is a safety hazard for both the visitors of the grave and the workers. If your grave is over-decorated and the workers cannot properly cut the grass/weeds then they will have to dispose of everything on the grave without warning. With that being said, we suggest to keep your decorations to a minimum, especially during the grass growing season.
What happened to my decorations?
There are a number of reasons why decorations go missing in the cemetery:
What should I do?
Unfortunately if a decoration is missing from a grave there isn't much that can be done. The cemetery is not responsible for any decorations or items left at a grave, nor can we assume responsibility for decorations that are removed from the grave. You have to remember that you are leaving your items of sentimental value in a public outdoor space that has thousands of visitors each week. We always suggest not to spend too much money on decorations, and if something is extremely sentimental it is better off being left at home. Even though the cemetery is sacred ground to most people, there are still people that have no problem stealing decorations from a grave - you need to think of it this way; if you wouldn't leave the item amongst a group of strangers, then you probably shouldn't leave it in the cemetery. If you do plan on putting items on the grave, and they are not listed on our prohibited item list, then we suggest writing your name or the deceased person's name on the items. If you take a look around the area you may see your decorations on another person's grave, and if it has your name on it you have every right to remove it and replace it on your loved one's grave.
Did the workers remove my decorations?
The likely answer is no. Decorations are removed throughout the entire cemetery generally once per year in February. We always put up signs over a month in advance before doing a cemetery cleanup. During this time we remove all decorations from every grave. We give the families plenty of time to remove any items they wish to keep.
If you notice your decorations missing from your grave, but nearby graves still have decorations then it was not the cemetery unless you had something on the grave that was a safety hazard. Any item that may be a safety hazard is outlined in our Prohibited Items list and will be removed without warning. If we need to remove an item that looks expensive or looks like it would have sentimental value then we generally store it in an area near the garage.
The cemetery has issues during the grass growing season with graves that are highly over-decorated. In instances like this the grass and weeds grow very high between the decorations and we have noticed rodents living within the decorations/weeds which is a safety hazard for both the visitors of the grave and the workers. If your grave is over-decorated and the workers cannot properly cut the grass/weeds then they will have to dispose of everything on the grave without warning. With that being said, we suggest to keep your decorations to a minimum, especially during the grass growing season.
What happened to my decorations?
There are a number of reasons why decorations go missing in the cemetery:
- Theft - Visitors steal decorations from other graves to decorate their own graves.
- Wind - We are in an open valley with strong winds that blow decorations off the grave, and even out of the ground if they aren't secured enough.
- Animals - Fresh flowers are a favorite snack for the wildlife that lives in the cemetery.
- Family Members - Sometimes other family members visit and clean up what they believe are old decorations.
- Disgruntled People - We have seen many issues where either family, friends, people from a past relationship take their anger out on the deceased or the family by removing or destroying decorations.
What should I do?
Unfortunately if a decoration is missing from a grave there isn't much that can be done. The cemetery is not responsible for any decorations or items left at a grave, nor can we assume responsibility for decorations that are removed from the grave. You have to remember that you are leaving your items of sentimental value in a public outdoor space that has thousands of visitors each week. We always suggest not to spend too much money on decorations, and if something is extremely sentimental it is better off being left at home. Even though the cemetery is sacred ground to most people, there are still people that have no problem stealing decorations from a grave - you need to think of it this way; if you wouldn't leave the item amongst a group of strangers, then you probably shouldn't leave it in the cemetery. If you do plan on putting items on the grave, and they are not listed on our prohibited item list, then we suggest writing your name or the deceased person's name on the items. If you take a look around the area you may see your decorations on another person's grave, and if it has your name on it you have every right to remove it and replace it on your loved one's grave.
