There is an interesting reason why pioneer graves at the Marysville Cemetery are placed in a spacious manner.
In the 1800s, they needed roadways between graves wide enough for horses and buggies to maneuver around the grounds.
It’s a quaint area of the cemetery, but progress is changing the serene landscape as old-timers meet their descendants. Those who want to be buried above great-great-great-grandma or -grandpa can have their wish come true.
Not two for the price of one — you’ll pay for the service — but it’s possible to snugly ride out time with a valued relative. Administrator Scott Locke said new access to the pioneer section will be nice for those who wish to be buried with ancestors.
Sales manager Elaine Terry took me on a tour the other day. It’s such a sad place when you read the headstones: “Beloved son and brother, ‘Tiger’ Dennis Wayne Crider, Dec. 23, 1963 — Oct. 1, 1982.”
Why did they call him Tiger?
You pause and wonder.
Another headstone lists Little Angel with the dates of June 27, 1981 to June 28, 1981.
No need to ponder the nickname for that cherub.
I also noted melancholy scenes. Even though Carl Nelson died in 1980 and is buried alongside Nettie, who died in 1978, someone put a cute wind chime with stars and moons on their grave.
Someone still visits.
And remembers.
There is another way to remember those who died decades ago. In an older section, there is a new headstone for Elizabeth and Charles Argle. She was born in 1875 and he was born in 1874.
A descendant bought the Argles a new marker, Terry said.
That’s a different angle for the burial business.
I had no idea how many burial options are available. You can be scattered, buried, set in a vault or listed on a niche wall.
Being buried in the pioneer section is a new service.
“This will extend the burial space availability at Marysville Cemetery for many years to come,” Terry said. “We will continue to offer burial spaces for both traditional casket burial as well as burial of cremated remains in the newer section of the cemetery.”
The cemetery visit changed my mind on a major topic: I’ve decided I want my name on a chunk of granite for posterity. Before, I wanted to be scattered with my favorite brother-in-law in the Green River.
Now I would like some of my cremated remains plopped into Utsalady Bay on Camano Island, where my family had a summer cabin. And please place my remaining ashes in a cemetery wall with my name on a plaque.
I’ve got eternal recognition on my mind.
In the 1800s, folks bought four to a dozen grave sites at one time, Terry said, to accommodate whole families.
“A cemetery is a history of people,” Terry said. “It’s a perpetual record of yesterday and a sanctuary of peace and quiet today.”
Columnist Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451, oharran@heraldnet.com.
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