Mansfield Cemetery Fights to Keep Its Legacy Alive

Mansfield Cemetery, a cornerstone of the community for over 180 years, is grappling with financial difficulties as traditional burials decline and cremation becomes more prevalent.

Administrator Pam Bautz noted a significant drop in burials, handling between 300 and 400 annually. This decrease, exacerbated by the rise in cremations post-COVID-19, has led to reduced funding for the cemetery's operations.

"This is one of my hardest years I have had to get through financially," Bautz said. "It's scary for our future."

Maintaining the cemetery's expansive 88 acres is a weekly challenge for the staff, especially with limited operational funds.

Funding Constraints Limit Cemetery Maintenance

While funds are available for restoration and development, day-to-day operations suffer due to legal restrictions on how income is allocated. Proceeds from lot sales are legally required to be invested for future use, leaving only burial fees accessible for immediate expenses.

"Even if I sell 100 lots in a month, I can't access all that money," Bautz explained, highlighting the financial strain caused by the decreasing number of burials.

As a privately owned entity, Mansfield Cemetery does not receive tax dollars, unlike some public cemeteries. "We're kind of on our own," Bautz said. "It has worked for 180 years, but that many years ago, they didn't think we would be here battling what we are."

Planned Upgrades on Hold

During her decade-long tenure, Bautz initiated a renovation program, focusing on road repairs and tree maintenance. However, funding shortages have forced these projects to pause.

"Nobody has done major developments to this cemetery since roughly the 1960s, until me," Bautz said.

Vandalism has also been an issue, with incidents like the theft of mausoleum doors. "These are things that we just don't have the funds to go forward with as fast as we want to," Bautz lamented.

Expansion Project Offers Hope

In a fortunate turn, Kokosing Construction Company offered to provide dirt to fill a sloped section of the cemetery, creating additional burial space. "It has been a great blessing," Bautz said, noting the two-year project will help accommodate future burials.

Despite ongoing challenges, Bautz remains committed to preserving the cemetery's legacy. She envisions hosting community events like 5K run/walks and movie nights to engage the public and honor the cemetery's history.

"I want people here," Bautz said. "I want people to enjoy it, not just to be a sad place. It doesn't always have to hold sad memories."