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New Interment Areas – May 1, 2025

Jessica Smithers

Spring has sprung at the Davis Cemetery District, and we are pleased to announce two new interment areas. Q-section, opening May 1, 2025, is nestled in the heart of the cemetery just north of the COVID-19 Memorial. This area is lined with elm and sycamore trees and features casket size plots, which can accommodate both full body and cremation interments. While the Q-section spans the length of the COVID-19 Memorial pathway, this phased opening will be limited to just seventy plots.

The Cremation Garden, open now, features a series of connecting pathways, freshly planted pollinator landscaping, solar lighting, and the opportunity for memorial bench donations. The cremation garden offers both inground and above ground interment options and can accommodate raised headstones.

For more information, stop by to take a tour, email us at jess@daviscemetery.org, or call us at (530) 756-7807.

Memorial Day 2025

Jessica Smithers

Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.

We always appreciate volunteers to aid in planning, set up, and clean up. Please contact jess@daviscemetery.org if you would like to help.

This year’s Memorial Day Program is brought to you by the Davis Cemetery District and the Davis Odd Fellows. The Golden State Brass will perform a musical prelude at 9:30 am with the formal program beginning at 10:00 am. Musical performances by Carley Neill-Vann, The Davis Madrigals, and the Davis Youth Choir.

2025 Event Details: 

Monday, May 26th

9:30 am Musical prelude by the Golden State Brass

10:00 am Formal program begins 

Keynote Speaker

Artemis Riley, Army Veteran and Davis Cemetery District Groundskeeper

Speaker Bio

In 2003 I enlisted in the Army through their Delayed Entry Program (DEP) so that I could finish High School and graduate with a full diploma. I shipped out to Fort Jackson, South Carolina for basic training in April of 2004. Upon completion of my 10 weeks in Fort Jackson I was transferred to Fort Mead, Maryland for my Advanced Individual Training. My specific MOS was 45K (Electronic Armament Repair), the training lasted 16 weeks. My primary specialty would be diagnosing, troubleshooting, and repair of weapons systems on armored vehicles, mostly Abrahms and Bradleys, with the occasional Howitzer thrown in. I would also be trained to work small arms repair (45B) and fire system repair (45G). By the time I had arrived at my first active-duty station in Germany I had already been given 2 promotions taking me from an E-1 to an E-3 and then received my last promotion to E-4 after my first year in Germany. I spent just over 2 years stationed around Germany, While I was there, I helped to close down and return 2 of our bases to the German Government. In 2007 I was given an honorable medical discharge.
During my time in the Army, I volunteered for multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan but was never picked up on account of my MOS being a non-combat essential role and I was needed in their rear to help with equipment readiness. I did however get a temporary station with the German Army to train with them over a 3-week period, during which I earned both their PT patch and Weapons Certification (Schutzenschneer). Not long after that I was given orders to be deployed on a NATO training mission taking place in England involving 13 other countries. During the NATO deployment I worked closely with the Welsh Guard tank unit, Scottish BlackWatch (before being merged with the Royal Regiment of Scotland), and the 2nd Infantry Regiment French Foreign Legion. I earned multiple foreign awards during that training period. Before my exit from the Army, I earned an Army Commendation Medal and 2 Army Achievement Medals.

Full Program Coming soon! 

Cremation Garden Now Open

Jessica Smithers

The Davis Cemetery District is pleased to announce the installation of our first cremation garden. This garden features a series of connecting pathways, beautiful landscaping, and the potential for bench donations.

Interment Options

Inground Cremation Niche: Can hold up to two sets of cremains and includes the cost of engraving and basic clip art.

Plot: $3,000

Endowment: $500

Open/Close: $650

Total for single interment: $4,150

Total for companion interment: $4,800

Inground Double Cremation Plots: The garden offers a variety of double cremation plots with the option for an upright headstone. Based on the plot location, you can choose a pillow top, 24″ slant, or 3′ upright marker. Each plot is marked with the headstone restrictions. It is our hope as families inter within the gardens, they become active in choosing the plants that are incorporated into the beds.

Plot: $1,600

Endowment: $500

Open/Close: $700

Total for single interment: $2,800

Total for companion interment: $3,500

Above Ground Double Cremation Niche Pedestals: Each niche can hold up to two sets of cremains and includes the cost of engraving and basic clip art.

Plot: $3,000

Endowment: $500

Open/Close: $650

Total for single interment: $4,150

Total for companion interment: $4,800

______  Historical Construction Information ______

Board of Trustee Approved Timeline

 

 

 

Under Construction – Below are pictures of the basic layout of the cremation garden. The next step will be the installation of our inground niche plots, followed by weed barrier, and landscaping! For more information about this area or to suggest landscaping, please email Jess Smithers at jess@daviscemetery.org.

As of May 15, 2024 – In ground niche plots installed by grounds crew member, Dylan Weiss. Landscaping is being installed by ground crew member, David Crowley.

 

As of June 18, 2024 – All 12 in ground niche plots have been installed by grounds crew member, Dylan Weiss. Landscaping / mulching is being installed by ground crew member, David Crowley. The next steps of this project include finalizing plot layout, additional landscaping, and the installation of a solar tower.

Memorial Day 2023

Jessica Smithers

 

 

 

 

 

 

Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.

2023 Event Details: 

Monday, May 29th

9:30 Musical prelude by the Golden State Brass

10:00 Formal program begins

Keynote Speaker: Sgt. Kurt Roggli

Kurt Roggli was born in Georgia in 1947. He grew up as an Air Force brat, living in Alaska, Newfoundland, Massachusetts, Tennessee and California. Kurt was a soldier in the US Army from 1967 to 1970 where he was stationed in Korea. He attended graduate school at UC Davis where he received his degree in Philosophy. Kurt retired as adjunct professor of Philosophy. He is married with one child and three grandchildren. Kurt enjoys playing music and is the immediate past Noble Grand of the Davis Odd Fellows Lodge.

We always appreciate volunteers to aid in planning, set up, and clean up. Please contact jess@daviscemetery.org if you would like to help.

 

Davis Cemetery Veteran’s Day Ceremony @ 11am

Jessica Smithers

The Davis Cemetery District, in collaboration with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VRW) Post 6949 in Davis, is hosting its annual Veterans Day Remembrance on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at 820 Pole Line Road.  Please join this remembrance of those men and women who have served in the military, defending and protecting the United States.

The Davis Brass Ensemble begins playing at 10:30 am.  The formal part of the program starts at 10:50 am with an explanation of the Bells of Peace, followed by the posting of the colors by the UC Davis ROTC, and vocal performances from Carol Kessler and the Davis High School Madrigal Choir.

Speakers include VFW Post 6949 Commander Jay Brookman, Davis City Council Member Dan Carson, and Superior Court Judge David Rosenberg. The program also includes a poetry reading by Andy Jones and opening and closing prayers by Rod Layman, chaplain of VFW Post 4969.

History Tours

Jessica Smithers
Enjoy a stroll through history one of our Davis Cemetery District History Tours.

The historic cemetery district is offering guided history tours on our beautiful grounds. We will share the stories of the pioneer families and individuals who have shaped our city into what it is today.   We will also discuss the meaning of and changes to gravestone symbols from Victorian times to the present.

Tours will take about a 1 hour. Wear comfortable shoes. Guided cart tours are available but will be limited to three individuals.
Contact Jess Smithers at jess@daviscemetery.org or call 530-756-7807 to schedule an appointment.

About the Davis Cemetery District

Jessica Smithers
The Davis Cemetery District is a non-enterprise independent Special District governed by an appointed Board of Trustees who serve four-year terms. As a public agency, the District is not in the business to make a profit as a private company. The Board of Trustees meets at a noticed public meeting on the third Wednesday of every other month at 4:00 pm. The trustees have adopted comprehensive rules and regulations by which to operate the cemetery.  All board meetings are open to the public. The District is closely aligned with the community of Davis and surrounding areas and makes its grounds available to community service groups. The District strives to strengthen the Cemetery as a more inviting and meaningful location for civic remembrance, contemplation, and healing by creating an attractive environment that encourages people to come and enjoy nature, art, and civic history.

 

Ten things to do during your visit

Jessica Smithers

Ten Things To Do During Your Visit…

  1. Inventory, photograph, paint or view our wildlife.
  2. Bring a sketchbook or a notebook and spend some quiet time on one of our benches. Let the beauty and the history inspire your creativity.
  3. Hike or jog the perimeter of the cemetery, enjoying the view from many perspectives. Climb our hill for a fresh look.
  4. Check out our historic swale, our perennial mounds, and our wildflower meadow (all located in the eastern half of the grounds).
  5. Check out our scent garden and our bulb and wildflower garden (both on the historic side of the cemetery). Enjoy our changing foliage. (Where else can you find a Nepal Camphor, native to the Himalayas, in Davis?)
  6. Soothe your soul listening to our Veteran Memorial Fountain.
  7. Take a meditative walk on our labyrinth.
  8. Participate in our 10 stop scavenger hunt, designed to educate children regarding our history.
  9. Explore the lovely statues and historic stones. (Can you find the one that came all the way from China? Hint: it has wonderful dragons.)
  10. Discover Davis history through our self-guided history tour. A copy of our map can be found here.   (Can you find the headstone of the woman born in 1796?)

DID YOU KNOW?
We have six markers over 12 feet tall, four that range from 8-12 feet, and some thirteen between 6-8 feet high; they include eight obelisk markers and four full figure statues. 28% of all city council members are buried here, as are 24% of all persons for whom UC Davis buildings are named.