IT'S HARD TO KEEP A GOOD WOMAN DOWN...APPARENTLY

The real question is, “Does it run in the family?” Maybe so.

It first happened in 1998 when our Mother Clara Kerslake Baker was buried in the wrong grave. That error was discovered before the day was over and corrected quickly by the Multnomah County Cemetery people. The gravediggers were extremely apologetic. It was then we, her family, responded "Well, it IS hard to keep a good woman down." After all, she was always a strong woman and 100 years old when she passed.

Now, in October 2015 news came of another such issue with family members.

This situation is a bit more complicated. Discovery of the error has come much longer following the burial. The first incident took place at Mt View cemetery in Corbett. The wrong plot belonged to a family member. This story is not so simple.

Our Uncle Fred Kerslake died November 1984 and was buried in Douglass Cemetery in Troutdale. Aunt Lyda chose a plot for them, close to the road going through the cemetery. A lovely double tombstone was placed on the graves with all of his information and hers, waiting for her demise. She entered her rest in June 2006.

Surprise, surprise, when cousin Claudia Becker received a call from Multnomah County the other day, requesting permission to correct a mistake of improper interment. It seems from the road the burial plots are marked 4, 3, 2, and 1, with plot 4 being closest to the road. Aunt Lyda had purchased plots 2 and 3. Fred was buried in 2. However, when the tombstone was place it was placed over plots 3 and 4. Aunt Lyda was then mistakenly buried in plot 4, leaving plot 3 empty. So Uncle Fred hasn’t had a headstone on his grave since 1984 and Aunt Lyda is actually buried with an empty plot between them.

The problem has now become clear. Someone is asking to purchase a plot that happens to be occupied by Aunt Lyda. The proper job must be done to correct the mistake. Apologies galore abound and of course the county will make all of the corrections at their expense. It does make for memorable experiences though.

Don’t be surprised to hear this family comment at gravesite services, "Be sure they get in the right grave."

Having flowers placed on an empty grave, even for thirty years, does not minimize the honor we give to our departed loved ones. It just adds an interesting bit to our family history.
Does being buried in the wrong grave "run in the family"? KEEP WATCH.