Now that the large cemetery in southern Ross County is in public hands, the hard work begins…physically as well as financially.
Huntington Township trustees John Cottrill and Gary Hopkins chatted with the Ross County Commissioners this morning on how they can help with Floral Hills Memory Gardens – the large cemetery on US 23 South that was abandoned by its owners about a decade ago.
A court case determined it was effectively a public cemetery on October 17th, so it could be cared for by a local government. The Ross County Common Pleas Court deeded it to Huntington Township on April 25th.
Dave Robertson and his team of volunteers have been maintaining the 37-plus-acre cemetery, and he gave public information sessions on its changing troubles in March. (The trustees are also hosting a public meeting on the subject tonight.)
Robertson pointed out, and the trustees are concerned, that Huntington National Bank is claiming much of the funds that are attached to the cemetery and asking for disbursement of others. The trustees say there is about $85,000 in endowment funds and about $139,000 in pre-need funds.
The trustees said they appreciate that Robertson has done a great job. But now the trustees must care for Memory Hills, and they say mowing alone will cost up to $12,000. The township has no digging equipment, so that is also contracted out.
They have also not seen cemetery records – who owns and is buried where. It was mentioned that the Ross County Sheriff’s Department is said to have entered the cemetery offices to safeguard records.
There is also not a map on file, except for one cobbled together. Ross County Recorder Kathy Dunn offered her assistance to file and record what records can be found.
The Ross County Commissioners are working with the engineer to plan to work on the deep culvert at the entrance, as well as the cemetery road. They also mentioned a possible loan from the county.
The trustees said they welcome any assistance. Huntington Township has a website, and can be emailed at huntingtontownshipohio@gmail.com (and the trustees should be listed in the phone book). Hear them in their own words in the below video interview in the article on the Scioto Post.
The township is hosting a public meeting on Floral Hills Memory Gardens at 6pm tonight in the township fire station.
Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for the Scioto Post and iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact Kevin Coleman or the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom.
1 of 3 Huntington Township trustees John Cottrill (R) and Gary Hopkins (L) chatted with the Ross County Commissioners on how they can help with Floral Hills Memory Gardens.
2 of 3 A 2015 aerial photo of Floral Hills Memory Gardens in southern Ross County, looking south, with US 23 on the right side.
3 of 3 Dave Robertson gives an update on Floral Hills Memory Gardens on March 18th, 2024.