New cemetery - a possibility for South Russell Village
South Russell Village officials are continuing discussion regarding plans to build a cemetery in the affluent Geauga County community despite the fact that the number of traditional funerals has drastically dropped.
Instead of an original design set on 3.5 acres estimated to cost about $400,000, officials now are considering a one-half acre on Chillicothe Road costing $150,000 to develop, according to Ed Pyle, a member of the village's Cemetery Board.
The decision came in part as a result of the board working closely with experienced consultants in the cemetery industry who advised against a large-scale effort.
In 2000, 79 percent of deaths were casketed. In 2010, that number dropped to 68 percent, according to the Casket and Funeral Supply Association of America.
"The business of burials in graveyards has changed," Pyle said.
Mayor Matthew Brett said the village had contemplated re-establishing a cemetery about 10 years ago. Currently the village has one cemetery on Bell Road which was closed to additional burials in 1971....
Published: Friday, December 21, 2012
By: News Herald / Jean Bonchak