Family of recently deceased woman claims someone else buried in her plot

CENTER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A Beaver County woman just died, but when her family went to bury her, the plot she paid for was already used.

Someone else's body was buried in the grave meant for her.

Ruth Stewart, 94, prepaid for her burial to give her family peace of mind.

A week after her death, her family is still waiting to bury her.

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Channel 11 was there Friday as the issue was resolved when the family met with the cemetery owner.

A mix-up at Union Cemetery

Stewart prepaid for her entire burial back in May of 2007.

Her daughter showed Channel 11 the deed that says paid in full, but cemetery records show Stewart put only $100 down.

Calvin Sheffield has owned the cemetery just one year.

After meeting with Channel 11, he agreed to honor Stewart's receipt.

But there's another problem: the plot she picked out isn't available because there's another person buried there.

Late Friday, both sides came together with Channel 11.

Her family said if Stewart's final resting place can't be there, they'd like her farther up the hill where other family members are.

The owner told them that would be an additional $400.

Stewart's family said prepaid means prepaid and they've already been through so much, so Stewart will be properly buried up on the hill Saturday morning.

Her family spoke out to warn others who prepay for arrangements to keep documents, canceled checks and to check in with the cemetery, especially if it changes hands.

Cox Media Group