Calvary Cemetery in Yakima
1405 S 24th Ave.
Yakima, Yakima County, Washington 98902
509-457-8462
Also known as Calvary Catholic Cemetery
History
Ten acres of land were purchased in June 1903 for a Catholic cemetery in Yakima, Washington. The Yakima Calvary Cemetery was founded in 1905 when Father Conrad Brusten blessed the ground and officially opened the cemetery, which was named Calvary. In 1915, the cemetery was transferred to the City of Yakima, which managed it until 1935, when the Yakima Calvary Cemetery Association was established to take over its administration. This association managed the cemetery until 2012 when it was deeded back to the City of Yakima.
In 1951, Bishop Joseph P. Dougherty, the first Bishop of the Diocese of Yakima, dedicated an outdoor altar built entirely by volunteers from the Catholic War Veterans. This memorial consists of a raised tiled platform with a brick arch safeguarding an outdoor altar where Mass is celebrated each Memorial Day. It is a solemn tribute to honor all veterans who have died defending our country.
In 1962, Bishop Dougherty designated a portion of the cemetery’s land as a burial plot for priests. Four years later, in 1966, the current office building and shop were constructed. Jack and Bessie Kramer, now buried at the cemetery, managed it for 36 years until their retirement in 1978.
On Mother’s Day in 1993, the Memorial for the Unborn was dedicated in the northeast corner of Block J. This memorial serves as a testament to the sanctity of life, remembering those lost to abortion, as well as for parents and families who have experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage.
On 30 September 2000, after a year-long pre-sales program and an additional year of construction, Bishop Carlos Sevilla, S.J., dedicated the Chapel Mausoleum. This mausoleum offers spaces for crypt entombment or niche inurnment, with purchasing options available. Guests can visit the mausoleum during office hours, Monday through Friday.
In 2004, a new cemetery administration office was built through the generosity of the family and estate of James W. Scott. Yakima Calvary Cemetery is the most popular cemetery in Yakima City and ranks seventh out of 22 cemeteries in Yakima County, 34th out of 221 in Washington State, and 2730th in the United States.
