How long has your company been in business?
How did you start this business?
What is the average cost and time involved in doing a cemetery?
How can we cut costs? What are our other options?
What advantages do your services and system of record keeping offer us?
Can you come to our cemetery to do the work?
Do you use ground-penetrating radar?
How do you determine if a grave is empty?
What if we are not sure that a grave is empty?
Our records don’t match our cemetery. Can you fix that?
Our records were destroyed or have been lost. Can you help us?
Can we update our own records as needed later?
Do you place markers on the rows and lots when you are on-site at the cemetery?
Can you help us lay out and mark new sections?
What marker choices are there for indicating rows and corners of lots?
What will our records look like?
We only need our maps done. Can you do that?
What do you need from us to begin?
How do cemeteries find you? By referral? By advertisement? By internet?
Why should we choose this company to help us with our cemetery records?
Can we contact any of your past clients?
How long has your company been in business?
We officially began doing business in 1993 and have done business from coast to coast. So far, all of our cemetery business has been in the United States. At some point, we may consider doing business in other countries but for now, we are confining our services to the United States. We have received inquiries from Canada and Mexico but the most distant inquiry we have received was Zimbabwe, Africa.
How did you start this business?
A friend had been a very long distance from home when his father had died. Because of circumstances, he had not been able to come home for the funeral and when he did return, he had never gone to the cemetery to find his father's grave. One day (some forty years after his father's death), we were near the cemetery so we stopped at their office and inquired about his father. It took over 30 minutes for the staff to find the burial in their handwritten records. They then gave us a very bad copy of a very badly drawn map of the cemetery to direct us to the grave. After we had found the grave and were leaving, I stopped again at the office. I went inside, left my business card for my Design/Build Business with the secretary and made an offer to draft a new map for them for free. I had intentions of putting my business logo and contact information at the bottom of the donated cemetery map so that when they handed copies of the map to other people it would make them aware of my company. If their visitors needed design/build, drafting or any of the other services I offered, they could contact me. The secretary accepted my business card and said she would pass it on to her supervisor. Later in the week, the cemetery supervisor called and said that their cemetery maps were falling apart and asked if we could talk. Doing the maps for that cemetery was the beginning. I went to the other large cemetery in my area and asked if they might be interested. That cemetery was primarily interested in transferring their records to the computer and producing a book. They kept their records on 3" X 5" cards that filled numerous tall card file cabinets that were stored in a big room. Working with those two local cemeteries provided the valuable experience needed to begin a new business.
What are your services?
- We travel onsite to cemeteries and measure and locate each grave, road and structure.
- We glean information from headstones and combine that information with the written records.
- We transfer old, worn out, handwritten cemetery records and maps to a computer formatted, user-friendly, expense saving system.
- We can help you mark the cemetery for easier locating.
- We make it easier for future record keeping and preservation of historical information.
- We make cemetery records and maps accurate and so simple and user friendly that anyone can quickly find what they are looking for whether using a computer or using the hard-copy book.
- Our record keeping system makes all of the cemetery records easily accessible whether in the comforts of a computer equipped office or onsite at the cemetery.
- We provide you with the electronic version of the cemetery records for you to keep them as safe as possible. With know how and the purchase of software, you can update the records as needed.
- We also provide updates if that is desired. The digital version is provided for safe keeping but with this feature of our services, the client has the option and freedom of updating their own records if they choose.
What are your goals?
- To make cemetery records and maps as accurate, easy, simple and cost-effective as possible.
- To give our cemetery clients a choice. With this system, they have the tools and the information necessary to be totally independent (if they choose to be) in keeping their records accurate and up to date.
- To also provide the option to cemetery clients to purchase updating services as needed.
- To make the cemetery records user friendly, correct, and as stress and hassle free as possible.
- To take the excessive expenditure of time and stress out of looking for and finding cemetery information for staff and visitors.
- To make it easier for cemetery staff to answer inquiries for genealogy researchers. Genealogy inquiries are often by phone or by letter and not always onsite. The ability to quickly find the answers to their questions and then inexpensively mail, fax, or email copies of maps or an information sheet to them is very valuable and a real time-saver.
- To bring consistency to record keeping. With this system, when the responsibility of record keeping for the cemetery changes hands, the information is more likely to be complete, consistent and preserved through the continuing years.
- To archive and preserve (as safely as is possible) the digital version of the completed and corrected cemetery records and maps. Records are always in danger of natural disaster, fire, flood, loss, theft and vandalism. To minimize the possibility of losing irreplaceable information, taking steps to safely archive is important.
- To make the records and maps easy and simple for visitors at the cemetery so that they can more easily find information unassisted. This will minimize burden on the staff or volunteers. To do this, a copy of the records and maps can be inexpensively and easily kept at the cemetery and available for visitors for this purpose.
What options do you offer?
We offer mapping if that is all that is needed.
We offer a stand-alone record service if that is all that is needed.
If both our mapping and record services are required, we have separated this process into separate Phases to accommodate the unique needs of each cemetery. We call this process Phase One, Phase Two and Phase Three.
Properly updating a cemetery typically involves all three phases as in almost all cases, there are discrepancies in the records and huge differences and errors between what is in the written records and maps and what you will actually find on-site at the cemetery. These errors need to be corrected by implementing Phases One, Two and Three.
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Phase One: The cemetery staff will copy and send all of their records and maps to us. We then enter the records into a database and re-map their maps using a CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) Program. We glean as much information as is possible from the existing records. We note any discrepancies that are found and make the maps so that it can be seen at a glance where each burial is, which graves are empty but have been sold and which graves are empty and still for sale. We also highlight where the veterans are located.
When this process is completed, all new maps and records are printed and compiled into a water resistant, easy to handle book(s) that lends itself very well to being onsite or anywhere. Every cemetery record needed is available in this book(s). The record keeping system we implement is simple and easy. We strive to make the records so simple that pretty much anyone can easily find information to operate the cemetery. This is key in eliminating dependency on only one or two people who understand the records or the layout of the cemetery.
If the original records are deemed to be fairly accurate or if funding for Phases Two and Three is unavailable, Phase One may be the only portion of the services that is purchased.
The records will include the following:
- 8 ½” X 11” over-all cemetery map and all burial maps
- Alphabetical listing of all burials
- Numerical listing of burials by location
- Chronological listing of burials by death dates
- Alphabetical and Numerical listing of Veterans and a Veterans map
- Alphabetical and Numerical listing of Lot Owners
- Electronic copy of the records and maps
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Phase Two: Requires being onsite and measuring the location of the roads, buildings and other features, placement of graves, and often, doing our best to figure out a very difficult puzzle. Data is meticulously gathered from the headstones. Names are proofed for correct spellings. Dates are proofed for accuracy. Any available personal history that can be gathered from the headstones are recorded. Also during this phase, the original records and the headstone data is compared and corrected for accuracy.
Phase Two is done with a clip-board, pencils, erasures, shovels, grave probe, tape measures, rolls of colored string, spikes, marking flags, a metal detector and a bunch of stick-to-it. This phase is subject to rain, wind, blistering heat and sometimes temperatures that are so cold that it makes holding a pencil difficult. It often involves wet shoes from the early morning dew. Hungry, biting and crawling bugs are often in attendance and sometimes relentless. It takes many long hours before a project is completed. Aching backs, necks, legs and feet can be expected as this phase is surprisingly physically and mentally demanding. Total focus is required. That being said, this phase tends to be beautiful and extremely peaceful as cemeteries are usually very soothing and picturesque places. Phase Two is when we have observed entire families gathering on a family member’s grave for a picnic and laughter and memories or someone arriving alone to place flowers and sit on the grave and talk and cry. It is in this phase, when cemetery visitors approach us to inquire about what we are doing. Often, during those encounters we are told stories about personal and area history and of their family members who are now at the cemetery. We are told of how those people are still loved, cherished and deeply missed. It is in this phase that we are thanked for preserving the history of their loved ones and reminded that what we do is important. We are also reminded why we love our job and why we do our best to do our best.
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Phase Three: In this phase, the information from the original records is merged with the data that was collected from the headstones. After all of the corrections and changes have been completed, the records and maps are re-printed and then compiled into an easy to use, weather resistant book. A digital copy of the corrected records and maps is produced and everything is then returned to the cemetery. When this process is completed, the cemetery records are as correct as possible.
The corrected records will include the following:
- 8 ½” X 11” map of the cemetery and all burial maps
- Numerical listing of burials by location
- Alphabetical listing of all burials
- Chronological listing of burials by death dates
- Alphabetical and Numerical listing of Veterans and a Veterans map
- Alphabetical and Numerical listing of Lot Owners
- Electronicl copy of the data of the records and maps
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Note:
PHASE I: Phase One can be purchased separately from Phase Two and Phase Three. Phase One is sometimes purchased alone when the cemetery staff or volunteers wish to complete Phase Two and sometimes Phase Three by themselves. If this is the case, a computer, printer, appropriate software, attention to detail and accuracy, computer savvy, and capable volunteers who will diligently stick to the project to completion would all be necessary.
PHASE II: If Phase I is purchased alone, there is usually a great deal of missing or incorrect information that would be nice (but not necessary) to include in the records. If you wish to complete Phase II by yourself, Phase II requires going onsite, measuring the location of graves, roads, trees and buildings and accurately recording the information from the headstones.
PHASE III: The next process is Phase III which is making those changes in the data and maps that were gathered from the efforts of Phase II. If you have purchased Phase I, you can update your own records. If you are going to have us do any of the Phase III update, it is better if you just let us do the whole thing instead of trying to save time by entering some of the information yourself. If you are not going to do the whole thing then please don’t do any of it at all.
MAPS: If you want to update the data yourself and have us do the maps, all you would need to send back to us are the hand corrected maps.
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What is the average cost and time involved in doing a cemetery?
There is no average as each cemetery is unique in size, terrain, complication and the services that are needed.
How much will it cost us?
Costs of all updates is determined by the total grave count and not the number of burials. Please note that multiple burials in a grave (cremations, babies, etc.) are counted and charged as an extra grave. The final cost will depend on the actual grave count of the cemetery and how many of our services were purchased. If you can provide an estimated complete grave count (actual number of graves and not burials), we will be happy to submit a proposal of the estimated cost. Note: Do not count burials. Count ALL graves whether they are empty or full. If there are new, completely unused areas and unsold areas of the cemetery, provide a separate count for those areas.
How long will it take?
Clients are asked not to expect completion for at least a year from the beginning date. That being said, so far, not one cemetery client over these years, whether their cemetery was large or small, has ever had to wait for a year before their completed records were returned to them. Often (but not always), we are able to complete the records onsite and return the corrected records before we leave.
How can we cut costs? What are our options?
1. Update your maps only. You may only need your maps redrawn.
2. Update your records only. You may only need your existing ‘As Is’ records transferred to a computer.
3. Use volunteers to complete Phase Two. If this option is considered, keep in mind that volunteers must be skilled, reliable, meticulously detail oriented, physically capable and must make the huge commitment of time necessary to actually get the work done.
4. Use volunteers to complete Phase Three. If this option is chosen, volunteers may update the records but they must be skilled, reliable, meticulously detail oriented, computer savvy and must make the huge commitment of time necessary to actually get the work done.
5. Following directions saves costs. For updates, if the record keeping directions have been properly observed and adhered to, it is possible that everything can be easily and quickly completed by mail or email as the transfer of just a few maps and information sheets is all that would be necessary. The indicated changes would be made and then emailed or mailed back. If the cemetery staff does not have the ability to sort or print the records, then the corrected records and maps could be printed and mailed back for self-assembly. If the original book is worn out and needs to be replaced, a new book can be produced and shipped back to the cemetery.
What advantages do your services and system of record keeping offer us?
Drastically lessens record vulnerability to loss: Often cemeteries have only one copy of their records and are very vulnerable to fire or other disasters. After this process is completed the data is archived. If then, because of catastrophe, all of the records are destroyed or damaged, the maps and records can be easily reproduced in their entirety from the last update. If the record keeping directions have been properly observed and adhered to none of the newer data will be lost.
Inexpensive to duplicate: One of the advantages of transferring records from handwritten to electronic is that it makes them easy and inexpensive to duplicate and inexpensive to copy and share with others. The 8 ½” X 11” format is perfect for this.
Ease of communication and more convenient: The records and maps can be easily copied and shared with others (grave diggers, funeral services, VFW flaggers for memorial day, cemetery visitors, genealogists, etc.). Being able to easily make copies or email the maps and records makes communication much easier. This helps to eliminate the time consuming inconvenience and necessity of having to meet with people onsite.
You don’t have to own a computer or have computer trained people: With this system, it is not necessary for the cemetery to expend the money to own or maintain expensive computer equipment or to have computer trained people to maintain the records. The book(s) that come with this service makes record keeping and fast access to information simple and easy.
You can update your own records: If the cemetery has access to a computer and the staff has the capability and knowledge, the cemetery records can easily be updated.
Transferring the care of the book of records to someone else is easy and inexpensive: The simplicity and ease of record keeping with this system requires a minimal amount of instruction to properly instruct the new caretaker.
Yearly record keeping costs are kept to a minimum: Depending upon the amount of cemetery activity, many years or even decades can pass before another update is necessary. At that time, there are cost saving options! We can continue to provide updates or your records can be updated by either cemetery staff, computer skilled volunteers or by qualified companies in the area. We believe that the costs of maintaining cemetery records should be kept at a minimum.
Better manage assets: With this system, the increased record efficiency allows the cemetery to better manage their assets. This system makes it very easy to track saleable burial sites and lot inactivity. The accessibility and convenience of the information is invaluable. It is very easy to see at a glance (on both the maps and the records) which graves are still available and for sale. (Note: Lot inactivity is one example of managing cemetery assets. When an individual purchased an entire block of graves to be used for the burial of family members but has only used a portion of them, after a specified number of years, if there hasn't been any burials in that lot and it is clear that no one from that family is likely ever going to utilize the remaining grave spaces, in most states, there are cemetery statutes that provide a process to reclaim and resell those burial sites.)
Records become easy and simple to understand: We believe that records should be so easy to understand that nearly anyone can access the information quickly, efficiently and easily. With this system, the information will be quickly at your fingertips whether using the book(s) or using a computer.
Eliminates dependency on others to operate the cemetery: This system of record keeping eliminates dependency on only a few people who understand the record keeping system and the layout of the cemetery. Even a new person, totally unfamiliar with the layout of the cemetery or the records, can find what they are looking for in the book(s) and at the cemetery.
Can you come to our cemetery to do the work?
Yes. Coming to the cemetery is part of our complete Phases One, Two and Three package. If you purchase the entire package, we will come to your cemetery, locate and measure graves, measure roads, trees, and buildings, gather headstone information and then proof and combine that information with your original written records. We do not come to your cemetery if the only purchased services are for Phase One or Phase Three.
Do we have to own a computer?
No. Owning or knowing how to operate a computer is not necessary. When this process is completed, a hard-copy book(s) containing all of your records will be provided to you. This book(s) is all that you will need to be skilled and proficient in accessing information and keeping your cemetery records accurate. Whether you have access to a computer or not, you will also be given an electronic copy of your records for you to keep safe.
Do you use ground-penetrating radar?
No. We have done research and have seriously considered using ground-penetrating radar as part of the services we offer. The current technology, while amazing, is costly and not reliable enough for us to justify its use as part of our services.
Over the years, we have been contacted and hired by larger cemeteries who had gotten bids from businesses that offered ground-penetrating radar. They said that the service agreements were full of disclaimers about the accuracy of this technology and about parts of their services that those companies could not guarantee. Those cemeteries decided that the exorbitant costs of the service coupled with the unreliable information they would receive from it was just not worth it. They needed quality and reliable information as an end result and so chose to keep looking for a better option. We were that better option and they hired us.
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How do you determine if a grave is empty?
If there is a headstone present, it is a pretty good clue that there is a burial close to that headstone (though not always). Also, it is often difficult to tell which side of the headstone a burial may have been placed.
If there is a burial in a grave or if at some point the dirt in a grave has been disturbed, a previous burial is usually obvious by observation. The grass may grow differently or a different type of grass from the surrounding graves may have been used to re-seed the scarred ground. The grave may have collapsed or the dirt may have settled which will leave an indentation or dip that is easy to observe. There may be a rectangular outline on the space.
Depending on the year of the burial and the area of the United States that the grave is in, a concrete vault may or may not have been used. If it is likely that a concrete vault was used at the time of the burial, it is likely that if the grave is probed with a long metal rod, the vault will stop the rod from going into the ground beyond the top of the vault. If you hit the vault with the rod, a solid ‘clunking’ sound will be heard. If you hear this sound and the rod won’t go in any further, it is best to probe in several places on the grave to ensure that the probe doesn’t go deeper and that the sound that was heard wasn’t just a rock.
If there is no headstone present, and some of the above applies, or the records indicate that someone is buried there, it is justifiable cause to do further investigation before selling the site or allowing someone to be buried in that space.
What if we are not sure that a grave is empty?
We have advised our clients that if vacancy of a grave is in question and it is necessary to know FOR SURE and at a minimal cost if there is a burial in a grave space, THE MOST RELIABLE TOOL THAT CAN BE USED TO DETERMINE VACANCY IS A SHOVEL.
If the records are questionable and someone insists that they wish to be buried in a particular grave space, pass the cost of digging and site repair on to them.
Our records don’t match our cemetery. Can you fix that?
That is our goal. We strive to make records match reality at the cemetery as much as is possible. We do our best to make records and maps as accurate as possible and by project’s end, to be a true representation of the cemetery. However, perfection is not always possible. Sometimes there is marker weathering and deterioration, incorrectly placed or non-existent markers, inconsistent burial placements or inadequate cemetery records and there is no way to be absolutely correct in restoring the information that has been lost. When that happens, we will flag those instances in the data.
Our records were destroyed or have been lost. Can you help us?
The only option after records have been destroyed is to gather measurements and information from the cemetery and try to reconstruct the records. After the project is completed and the book(s) have been produced, it might prove valuable to make a request to the public to bring any documentation that they may have to help flesh out additional information. This is obviously not the best way to preserve cemetery information but at this point, it is the best that can be done. The original records likely had recorded information that will now forever be lost. It is a shame the loss of information occurred but through implementing Phases Two and Three, much of the information can still be preserved.
Can we update our own records as needed later?
Yes. Many of our clients do exactly that. However, many past clients choose to continue using us for their updating needs as we tend to be better, faster, easier and usually much less expensive.
Do you place markers on the rows and lots when you are on-site at the cemetery?
Marking the rows and lots is advisable but it isn’t part of the contracted services that we offer. If you wish for us to place markers on the rows or lots when we are onsite, we charge an extra fee for labor and materials. We must know that is what you want in advance so that marking supplies can be ordered and ready when we are at the cemetery.
Can you help us lay out and mark new sections?
Yes. Again, this is not part of our contracted services. We charge an hourly labor fee plus the cost of materials. The total charge will vary depending on what is required in labor and the costs of materials.
What marker choices are there for indicating rows and corners of lots?
Depending on what is needed, row markers and corner lot markers can vary in cost and detail.
Markers can be as rudimentary as sinking nails or some piece of metal into the ground at the beginning of rows and/or at the corners of lots. Metal is used so that a metal detector can be used for future locating purposes.
Painted concrete markers with a long nail in the middle can be fabricated by cemetery staff and buried flush with the surface of the ground.
More elaborate markers can be purchased from companies that manufacture embossed metal plates that are attached to long metal spikes and driven into the ground. These items cost more but look very professional and when embossed with the lot numbers, they are a very nice visual aid for locating rows and lots.
Tall and flexible row markers (and sometimes also tall corner lot markers) may be utilized to accommodate easy locating or to alert snowplow operators of cemetery boundaries or for caretakers needing to locate a grave in the winter.
What will our records look like?
- You will receive a black, three-ring binder book(s) of your records.
- Each sheet will be enclosed in a weather resistant plastic sleeve (sheet protector).
- The data and the maps will all be on 8 ½” X 11” sheets.
- The data will be presented in a spread sheet format.
- There will be tabbed section dividers labeled as Maps, Numerical, Alphabetical, Chronological, Veterans and Lot Owners.
- There will be an 8 ½” X 11” overall map of your entire cemetery.
- Then there will be another overall map of your entire cemetery that will be broken down into numbered blocks.
- Each of those numbered blocks will then become a corresponding numbered detail map of that area of the cemetery.
- On those detailed maps it will be easy to see the names of the burials, the last name of the lot owners if the grave has been sold, which graves are still empty and for sale and which burials are veterans.
- There will also be an 8 ½” X 11” overall map of the veteran burials in your cemetery.
- The data and the maps will be easy for most anyone to read and there will be ample room to write in additional information as it continues to occur.
- You will also receive an electronic copy of your records and maps. This is provided to you as an additional record keeping archival safety measure but the benefit to you is that if you choose, you can update your own records. *Software in NOT included.*
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We have several differing versions of our records. These records often have conflicting information in them. How do you address that?
We will be happy to go through two versions of your records for the quoted price. Choose what you think are the most accurate copies and submit those for us to proof and combine with the finished product.
Conflicting information is usually rampant in cemetery records. That is why the Phase Two process of going onsite, measuring everything and gathering data from the headstones is so important as most conflicting information can be resolved by this method. If the conflict is not then resolved, a note will be made of the discrepancy in the records to alert cemetery staff of the issue. Sometimes, though every effort is made, the mystery just cannot be solved.
Many years ago, we were employed by a cemetery that only wished to purchase Phase One of our services. That cemetery was an extreme example of having the issue of multiple versions of their records. Their cemetery records had been such an issue that, over the years, cemetery staff or area citizens had made several attempts to rectify the records by gleaning information from the headstones. In doing so, numerous conflicting versions of the records had been produced. In trying to do their best to correct the records, each well meaning person had made their own brand of mistakes and discrepancies. We were only contracted to complete Phase One. With all of those versions of the records, it was impossible to know what was accurate and what was not. We went through every version and made meticulous notes of the information that could not be resolved. The result was that even information that was probably correct had been compromised. The end product was a compilation of all of those incorrect records.
If you want us to go through more than two versions of your records, our extra hourly fee for labor will be necessary. Be informed that there is no quality substitute for proofing the records onsite and accurately gleaning information from the headstones. That would be done if Phase II was implemented properly.
We only need our maps done. Can you do that?
Yes. You can purchase whatever services you need.
What do you need from us to begin?
The first step is to decide which services you wish to purchase and then sign the agreement. Send the signed agreement along with the agreed upon retaining fee back to us. That officially begins the project.
If you have chosen Phase One only, send the records and maps that you wish to be included in the final product. We recommend that you make a copy of those records. Send us the copies (not photos) instead of sending the originals. The mail service, to date, has never lost any records in this process but to be safe from losing any of that valuable and irretrievable information, sending a copy is better. Please make sure that the copies you send are clear and are as readable as the originals.
If you have chosen to purchase the complete package of Phases One, Two and Three, providing copies months before we are to arrive is necessary so that we can be prepared before we arrive onsite.
How do cemeteries find you? By referral? By advertisement? By internet?
Usually, cemetery contacts are made by us calling the cemeteries to see if they are in need of these services. Though referrals do happen, they are infrequent as cemetery caretakers are not often in contact with each other. With the popularity of the Internet, a growing amount of business has been generated from our website which is at: http:\\cemeteryhelp.com.
Why should we choose you to help us with our cemetery records?
We are experienced: We have been working with cemeteries and their unique issues in the U. S. from coast to coast since 1993. We have kept in contact with our clients and have incorporated many of their suggestions after they have spent several years of putting this record keeping method to the test. When you hire us, you are availing yourselves to all of that expertise. That is a rare and extensive amount of knowledge and experience of what works and what doesn't work.
We both keep copies of your electronic maps and records to help to preserve your records: There are many ways your records could be damaged or destroyed and fire is one of them. One of our past clients literally had a test of fire. If this ever happened to you, give us a call and your cemetery records can be easily reproduced. If you have followed our record keeping directions, your records (including the information up to the date of the loss of the records), can be easily restored as if nothing bad had happened at all and it can be done at a minimal expense. You will be, to say the least, RELIEVED! We give you a copy of all of the data for your use and safe keeping. We keep your records in several off site 'safe' places. We encourage you to do the same. If we both do our best to safeguard your records, it increases the chances of our success.
We help you get your records and maps as correct as possible: We do our best to ensure accuracy. By the time a project is completed, your records have been proofed and re-proofed many times. We do our best to indicate on the maps and in the records the reality that will be found at the cemetery so that, even during a deep snow winter, you have a pretty good idea of what to expect when you go out to find a grave to sell or to find a burial or to mark a grave.
We make your records as time and cost effective as possible: Our system is time and cost effective. Our system of record keeping allows you to keep time and costs related to keeping your records to a minimum. It is not necessary for the cemetery to expend the money to own and maintain expensive computer equipment or maintaining computer trained personnel to keep the records up to date. Often, years or decades can pass before an update would be necessary.
If a volunteer or cemetery staff has a computer, the software, the capability and the knowledge, they can inexpensively maintain their records themselves as new information can easily be added to the original records.
There will always be some time expenditure and expense required to keeping the cemetery records up to date but keeping the time and expenses to a minimum will now be absolutely possible! Why spend more than is needed?
Record efficiency allows you to better manage your assets with an improved ability to track saleable burial sites and lot inactivity.
We do our best to build longevity into your records: We have chosen to use softwares that we have determined will be the most user friendly, compatible and likely to still be accessible to the ever-changing computer industry a century down the road. The hard copy book(s) we provide has also proven to be durable and has lasted for decades if handled with care. Either by computer or by book, we have done our best to cover all of the bases and safeguard records.
We do our best to preserve your cemetery information in a manner that will ensure that you likely won’t have to do this again. A great deal of thought, trial, error, and implemented action has gone into this system. In our opinion, and in the opinions of our clients, if you want simple, effective and cost efficient, this is the best system there is.
We customize our services: You can decide what you need. You can pick and choose. Our services sell themselves.
We make your records SIMPLE: We have spent years developing this cemetery record keeping system. We simplified and then simplified again. We have given our clients many years of using this system and then asked them for their feedback. We have implemented their suggestions and the result has been this simple, streamlined, cost effective system of managing cemetery records. The accessibility and convenience of the information is invaluable. There will no longer be any need to spin your wheels looking for information as it will easily be at your fingertips in seconds instead of hours. This translates into more time for you!
No hidden fees: There will be no surprises or hidden fees when you do business with us. The cost of our services and what you can expect is clearly spelled out on this website and in our service agreement.
Convenience: The accessibility and convenience of the information is invaluable. Whether you are using a computer or the book(s) to access the information, it will be simply, easy and quickly at your fingertips.
Can we contact any of your past clients?
Yes. Many of our clients have given their permission to be contacted. To protect their privacy, their contact information is not listed on the web site but if you contact us, we will be happy to provide information that includes the names and contact information of those clients. You may then feel free to give them a call and ask questions.
Quote from a past client:
"Before we had our records done, recording or selling grave sites was complicated, sketchy and time consuming. Since then even our public works guys can do it. A month ago, I was out of the office and someone came in needing information. One of our new public works guys whipped open the book and easily answered every question. We like our records a lot now."
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Quote from a past client:
“To us, the big advantage of this system was finally getting our records organized. We have also found that the maps are wonderful. I like the ability to sort the data in the computer and find what I am looking for quickly. Our cemetery manager prefers to use the book at the cemetery.”
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Quote from a past client:
“…we maintain our records ourselves. Sometimes though, we have been too busy to do our own updates and it has been nice to be able to use Debbie's services to update for us. For this last update, I simply faxed two sheets from our Chronological List to Debbie. She electronically archives our records and was able to completely and inexpensively update our records for us from those two sheets! It was so easy.”
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Quote from a past client:
"It is the best thing we could have done for our maps and records. Very much worth it! We have updated twice and it's impressive how efficient, cost effective and easy this method is. We have been very happy. Our records are better than they have ever been. Have it done now! You won't regret it."
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Quote from a past client:
"Very cooperative, professional, timely and a real cost saver!"
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Quote from a past client:
“We dance around every time we open the cemetery book now instead of cussing and swearing."
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Please spend the time and check out our services.
You will be happy that you did.
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We are looking forward to hearing from you!