Grave Concerns Association

06/15/2026

Have you ever wondered what a Grave Concerns work party looks like?

From clearing brush and maintaining pathways to helping preserve the cemetery grounds, our volunteers play a vital role in caring for this important piece of local history. Every project, large or small, contributes to creating a space that honors the individuals laid to rest here.

We’re grateful for the many volunteers who have joined us over the years and helped move this work forward.

If you’ve been thinking about getting involved, our next Work Party is coming up on June 27 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. We’d love to see you there!

06/10/2026

Mark your calendars! Our next Work Party will be held on Saturday, June 27 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.

Work parties are an important part of our ongoing efforts to preserve and maintain the Western State Hospital Cemetery. Volunteers help with a variety of tasks that support restoration, beautification, and stewardship of this historic site.

No special experience is needed, just a willingness to lend a hand and spend a few hours making a meaningful difference.

We hope you’ll join us!

06/04/2026

The upcoming Monthly Planning Meeting for the Grave Concerns Association is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16th, taking place at Christ Lutheran Church in Lakewood. Everyone is invited, whether you're a returning volunteer or simply interested in participating.

During this meeting, we will discuss future work parties, ongoing projects, events, and initiatives to honor the memories of those interred at Western State Hospital Cemetery through efforts of restoration and remembrance.

📅 Date: Tuesday, June 16th
⏰ Start Time: 5:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Christ Lutheran Church
8211 112th St SW, Lakewood, WA 98498

Additionally, Tracy Asher will be facilitating a bead sorting session before the meeting, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to participate.

Kindly confirm your attendance by reaching out to [email protected].

Please be aware that the doors will be locked, so don’t hesitate to knock or call for access.

We hope to see you there!

05/22/2026

Members of the Grave Concerns Association gathered for a card making class led by Joette. It was a meaningful afternoon filled with creativity, connection, and time together outside of our regular work parties and meetings.

We’re grateful for the people who continue to build community alongside us, not just through service, but through moments like these too.

Thank you, Joette, for sharing your time and talents with us!

05/19/2026

We’re honored to have Laurel Lemke joining Washington Peer Network’s Wellness Wednesday meeting tomorrow, May 20th, to share about the work of the Grave Concerns Association.

Laurel will be speaking about the history of the Western State Hospital Cemetery and the ongoing efforts to restore dignity to those buried there through advocacy, community partnerships, sustainability, and remembrance.

Her stories and experiences offer an important reminder of the power of community care and preserving local history.

Thank you to Washington Peer Network for inviting Laurel to speak. Click the link below to learn more about Laurel and tomorrow’s meeting.

https://washingtonpeernetwork.org/page/wellness-wednesdays

05/16/2026

Ehrengard and Bobbie continued grave grooming today after marker installation. The predicted rainy weather was overcome with sunshine.

05/16/2026

05/16/2026

Volunteers today at marker installation.

05/16/2026

Grave Concerns work party today adding 90 markers. Volunteers range in age from 18 months to 95 years old!