Palestine Cemetery sexton Brett Boggs stands by the cemetery’s sign. InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

PALESTINE — Those who are planning for their end-of-life needs should consider burial at the Palestine Cemetery, said Brett Boggs.

People may buy space for either regular burial or to put an urn in, said Boggs, who serves as the cemetery’s sexton.

“If they already have somebody who’s buried here, (we allow them) to put (an) urn on that same grave too,” he said.

Lots at the cemetery at 3226 S. 550W, Mentone, are 30 feet long, with each burial space 40 inches by 7 feet. People may buy the lots, which fit eight burials, for $3,600 each, or purchase a single grave site for $450.

Each time a person is buried, the cemetery also charges a $250 endowment fee, which funeral homes will include in their costs, said Boggs.

He said the cemetery was run by Palestine Bible Church until 1951 when it became separate and overseen by a board of directors.

Boggs serves on the current board along with Neil Bammerlin, Jeff Boggs, Duane Burkhart, Ben Scripture and Thomas Walters.

Brett Boggs said the board members “are all local people” who put effort into keeping the cemetery maintained.

“We have a couple of cleanups every year,” he said.

The Palestine Cemetery covers 9 acres, with a 2.5-acre addition bought in 2021.

Boggs said the addition, which hasn’t been officially incorporated into the cemetery yet, has been named the Boggs Addition “in honor of several men in the Boggs family who have served on the board of directors, served as sexton of the cemetery or have cared for the cemetery.”

When the addition is officially added, there may be room for a pet cemetery by the regular one in the future, said Boggs.

Boggs encourages people to consider burial at the cemetery due to its setting.

“It’s a beautiful cemetery,” he said.

Boggs said a woman who regularly travels by the cemetery recently purchased burial space for her and her husband.

“I said, ‘Why, do you have family here?'” said Boggs. “She said, ‘No, I just drive by here and think it’s a beautiful cemetery.'”

“It’s kind of a quiet area, but you don’t see as many trees in a lot of cemeteries as what we have,” added Boggs. “It’s very well-cared for. We’ve got some people that take really good care of things.”

Those who are interested in purchasing lots or graves may contact Boggs at (574) 551-2432.

People may also donate for the upkeep of the cemetery by sending funds to 316 Saner Drive, Akron, IN 46910, or contacting Boggs at the above number to learn how to give.