Report: Phoenix-area suburb approves first cemetery within town limits
Oct 24, 2016, 3:44 PM
(Public Domain Photo)
(Public Domain Photo)
PHOENIX — The town of Gilbert, east of the capitol of Phoenix, has existed for more than 100 years.
It was incorporated in 1920 and has transformed into a small farming town into a desirable place for families to live.
But despite its population increase — about 250,000 people live in the suburb — the town never had a cemetery in which to bury its residents. The nearest cemetery is slightly north of the town border.
That changed this month, when the Gilbert Town Council voted to add the town’s first designated cemetery.
KJZZ reports the new burial ground will be established on 20 acres of public land near Queen Creek and Greenfield roads. A funeral home will be built nearby.
Bunker Family Funerals and Cremations, based in Mesa, will run the cemetery and funeral home. Profits will be split between the town and the Bunkers.
The cemetery is scheduled to open in 2019 and should serve the town for at least 75 years, barring any expansions.
