Riverside Cemetery sees decline in interments, seeks donations

Between 2012 and 2024, Riverside Cemetery in Spencer has seen a 50 percent decline in the number of burials and a 50 percent increase in the number of cremations.

In 2012, there were 45 burials and six cremations, and in 2024, there were 22 burials and nine cremations.

"Your revenue is primarily from the sale of plots, and then you get some funding when you do the grave openings and closings, and that's it," said Keith Bucklew, President of the Riverside Cemetery Board. "People are still passing away at the same rate, if not more so, but people are steering away from traditional burials."

Cremations are a whole lot cheaper, and we are seeing a major trend all across the country," Bucklew said.

With cremation, families no longer have to buy burial plots, but they still often pay for the opening and closing of the service they might not need a casket.

According to the National Funeral Directors Association's 2023 Cremation and Burial Report, the cremation rate in 2023 was 60.5 percent. The report suggests that the rate of cremation is expected to increase to 81.4 percent by 2045. Data from the Cremation Association of North America shows that in 2009, 38.1 percent of individuals were cremated. In 2014, that number grew to 46.7 percent, and by 2024, the percentage grew to 61.8 percent.

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Bucklew offered an explanation as to why there is an increase in cremations – the cost savings for families.

"You're really reducing a lot of costs, and that is a major trend all across the country," Bucklew said.

"But what does that mean long-term so far as cemetery operation is that it is going to be a lot cheaper, and we are seeing a whole lot cheaper, and we are not the only ones. Every cemetery has the exact same problem."

According to the National Funeral Directors Association's 2023 Cremation and Burial Report, the cremation rate in 2023 was 60.5 percent. The report suggests that the rate of cremation is expected to increase to 81.4 percent by 2045. Data from the Cremation Association of North America shows that in 2009, 38.1 percent of individuals were cremated. In 2014, that number grew to 46.7 percent, and by 2024, the percentage grew to 61.8 percent.

Bucklew offered an explanation as to why there is an increase in cremations – the cost savings for families.

"You're really reducing a lot of costs, and that is a major trend all across the country," Bucklew said.

To help with the cemetery's financial position, Bucklew said they have purchased fundraising and grants. "We've received a tremendous amount of donations," Bucklew said, which included Riverside being included some estate plans. "All that is still not enough." Donators have helped secure the front gates to the cemetery at the west end of West Wayne Street, add lights to the flags, clean up damage from the March 2023 tornado, and purchase a new mower.

"If we had to pay for all that, we wouldn't have had the money to do it," Bucklew said, adding that he has individuals within the community willing to donate their time for the labor needed to clean, repair, and restore headstones. Maintenance of headstones typically falls to families, but Bucklew noted that they have individuals buried at Riverside from the Civil War era, some of which have no living relatives. In that case, he said, the cemetery tries to repair and maintain the headstones.

He also wanted to make the issue known to the community with the hope that others will come forward with donations and include Riverside in their estate planning.

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By Indiana law, when a cemetery is no longer solvent, its maintenance falls to the township trustee. Riverside Cemetery is located in Washington Township, which already has six cemeteries to maintain.

Bucklew said that and other cemetery board members are trying to prevent that.

Starting this month, Riverside will begin a headstone Cleaning Service. More information will be shared as it is made available. Bucklew said the service will apply to any cemetery in Owen County. Individuals can request headstone cleaning for family and friends and can sponsor a cleaning for headstones in need, especially those who have served in the military.

Those wishing to make a donation or to include Riverside in their estate planning can do so through the Owen County Community Foundation, groundskeeping or to volunteer with other ideas, email RiversideCemeterySpencer.IN@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.