Burial

There are two types of burials - inground burial and entombment. Following the service at a funeral home or church, family and friends proceed to the cemetery for a brief ceremony followed by an inground burial. Families can also choose between a mausoleum and an above ground crypt when available. If you have not already purchased a burial plot or crypt, your funeral director can make those arrangements on your behalf.

If you choose an inground burial, you may be required to purchase a burial vault or grave liner. This is usually required by city ordinance or by the cemetery. A burial vault protects the casket from the pressure of the surrounding earth and prevents casket collapse due to the heavy machinery used by cemeteries for maintenance. Burial vaults are constructed of steel-reinforced concrete and lined with plastic or metal. A grave liner is made of reinforced concrete and is less expensive and less visually appealing than a burial vault.


Education on Burial

Families can choose to have a grave site ceremony or a ceremony in a designated gathering space at the cemetery. If you have chosen an in-ground burial, it is very likely that you will have chosen a grave liner or burial vault. If a grave site service is to be performed, the grave will have been opened and the burial vault or grave liner will be placed inside of it prior to the start of the service.

At the Grave Site
When the funeral procession has arrived, all will be directed to the grave site where the casket has already been delivered. After the ceremony has been performed, the casket will be lowered into the ground and the grave liner/burial vault lid will be placed on top of the vault. Grounds personnel will then close the grave and place a temporary marker on the site which has been provided by your funeral home.

Cemetery Lots
There are several different types of cemetery lots. Single depth lots are used for a single or a companion burial at a six foot depth. Companion lots allow for two side by side burials. Double depth lots are available in which the first burial is placed at a depth of eight feet and the second burial is placed on top at a depth of six feet. There are also burial and cremation combination lots which allow for a casket burial as well as the interment of one or more urns.