The cremation rate in the United States reached 60.5% by the end of 2023. The increasing selection of cremation introduces a wide array of considerations and possibilities for individuals, ranging from financial and logistical benefits to religious beliefs and personal preferences unique to each case. Despite the flexibility cremation offers, it often leaves families pondering the subsequent steps for memorializing their loved ones.

Cemeteries continue to fulfill a crucial role in providing a space for families to honor and remember their loved ones, akin to traditional in-ground burials. Woodland Cemetery offers esteemed spaces for remembrance, including options for natural burial and columbarium niches, and the opportunity for families to place their loved ones’ remains with family members residing at Woodland. These offerings ensure that every individual’s memory is preserved with dignity and respect, reflecting the diverse needs and wishes of those we serve.

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Fountain Garden

Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum is pleased to announce the restoration of a recently rediscovered fountain that had been filled with plantings, over the duration of the past 50 years. This restored fountain is the center piece of an in-ground cremation scattering garden called Fountain Garden. Families will have the option of placing the cremated remains of a loved one in the earth of a working garden which provides a beautiful spot to visit and reflect upon their family members that have passed before us.

Lookout Columbarium

At Woodland, we proudly present the state-of-the-art Lookout Columbarium, a serene sanctuary perched above the Miami Valley, offering panoramic views of the cityscape and beyond. Framed by a historic tower visible for miles, this unique memorial space is an ode to those who cherish Dayton’s vibrant history, its natural beauty, and the legacy of Woodland itself. It’s more than a place for remembrance—it’s a space where the essence of life and the spirit of Dayton’s pioneering past are celebrated, promising to be a beacon of memory and innovation for generations.

We are currently expanding the Lookout to include new columbaria, offering both individual and family niches for pre-construction reservation. With an anticipated completion in the summer of 2024, this expansion is an invitation to secure a part of Dayton’s heritage, a testament to a life well-lived and the enduring bond between the city and its residents.

Located within the historic embrace of Woodland Cemetery, the Woodland Mausoleum stands as a timeless testament to beauty and serenity. Adorned with twelve exquisite stained glass windows that draw inspiration from celebrated literary masterpieces, this mausoleum serves as a serene sanctuary for eternal rest. The interior is graced with imported marble, a calming fountain, and an intricate mosaic made of over 100,000 pieces, all contributing to a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and remembrance. Its architecture, featuring rock-faced bronze and a low-profile design, harmoniously integrates with the surrounding landscape, offering a dignified homage to those who rest there.

The centerpiece of the mausoleum, the Messiah window, is the most grandiose among the stained glass displays, flanked by windows that beautifully capture the essence of Christianity’s most significant celebrations: the Nativity and the Resurrection. Literary themes are vividly portrayed through windows inspired by the works of Longfellow, Frost, and Rawlings, bringing a rich cultural tapestry to the serene setting.

Open for visitation throughout the year, the mausoleum provides a comforting and tranquil environment, with a range of interment options including single and companion crypts, along with cremation niches fronted in either marble or glass. Each choice comes with the promise of perpetual care within this climate-controlled haven.

We warmly welcome families of all faiths to host funeral, memorial, or visitation services within the mausoleum’s chapel, ensuring a space of comfort and dignity for all who come to honor their loved ones.

Respectful Remembrance Options for Cremation

At Woodland, we are committed to the dignified and respectful handling of cremated remains, offering a broad spectrum of memorialization possibilities. From interment in a dedicated burial space complete with a memorial marker to secure placement within a niche or private columbarium, our range of choices ensures a fitting tribute to your loved ones.

A concerning statistic, approximately 70% of cremated remains handed over to families are eventually stored away in less dignified locations such as closets, basements, or garages, and may ultimately be forgotten or discarded without the deserved honor or ceremony. Woodland strongly advocates for families to contemplate and choose a more respectful and everlasting form of memorialization.

Our offerings include

Each method of final disposition reflects a deeply personal choice, embodying the esteem, love, and respect we carry for our loved ones, family, and friends. We hold the conviction that every life merits a form of memorialization. Our team is privileged to assist you in determining the most fitting tribute for you and your family, ensuring that the chosen method honors the unique bond and memory of those held dear.

Start Planning Today!

Our Family Service Representatives are skilled in providing you and your loved ones with clear information and thoughtful options. Let us guide you through the planning process with care and understanding.