Nov. 16, 2019

This is a common conundrum: You wish to pay your respects to a deceased loved one or ancestor and you know which cemetery they are buried in. What you don’t know is exactly where their gravesite is located—and in vast, sprawling cemeteries, this can post a big logistical problem.

The question is, who can you ask to help you find the grave you are looking for? Is it proper etiquette to contact the cemetery owner or operator to provide you with some direction?

The short answer to this question is yes, though you may not need to speak with a cemetery owner directly. These days, a lot of cemeteries have websites where you can get the lay of the land and develop some sense of where your loved one is buried. Often, this is the quickest way to find the information you’re looking for.

But if the cemetery doesn’t have a website, or you still need assistance, it’s perfectly fine to contact the cemetery’s owner or operator. It’s best to gather some key information before you do so, however—including the full name of the deceased and if possible, the year of their birth and the year of their death. This simply helps the cemetery owner to locate your loved one more quickly.

An alternative is to reach out to the local funeral home; even if it’s not affiliated with the cemetery in question, it may have access to records that show where your loved one is buried.

In short, there’s always a way to identify the final resting place of your loved one, so never hesitate to ask!

If you would like a FREE funeral decisions planning guide please contact us at 12700 Southeast Raytown Road | 816-761-6272
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