TULSA, Okla. — For the second time in two weeks, 2 News received a message from someone concerned about Rose Hill Cemetery not caring for graves.
This time, a woman says someone vandalized her grave, and now she's concerned about the cemetery's security.
Kathy Lookout visits her father, James Belke, five times a year. He's buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in the veterans garden.
Lookout's father passed in 1985 at 60 years old. She said he bought graves for him and his wife just two years before he died.
WATCH: We covered a similar story at Rose Hill Cemetery earlier this month.
"Had a massive heart attack in the hospital after a very simple procedure," said Lookout.
When 2 News came to Rose Hill, there were flowers sitting on his grave. However, Lookout said that nearly every time she comes, it looks vandalized.
"I come here, and the vases are kicked over, knocked over, and missing. If you call them and complain, they will replace the vase, but there are so many here that I don't have someone to call," said Lookout.
Lookout's concerns aren't new. She said this has been going on for ten years, and she's made repeated phone calls. Lookout said she even talked to staff about moving her father's grave to a mausoleum but was disappointed.
"She was sweet and open to that conversation but offered some discouragement that every area in the cemetery has its own issues," said Lookout.
Lookout said she wants to see more effort to protect her father's resting place.
"Fencing, security, cameras, something to discourage the vandalism," said Lookout.
Rose Hill Cemetery owner Hall
Ezzell provided this statement.
I received your e-mail. What you have described is typical and occurs in every cemetery . There have been instances where bronze vases have been stolen. I’m not aware of any instances in which vases have been vandalized. We also do get occasional complaints that flowers have been stolen. Again, every cemetery experiences these issue. They are not unique to Rose Hill. I believe that our security measures are reasonable and comparable with all other cemeteries in the Tulsa area and maybe even more comprehensive than many others. The cemetery is fenced and gated and we close and lock the gates every night. In addition we have 14 security cameras in strategic locations including the main entrance gates. But the cemetery is 80 acres we cannot cover every area in the cemetery. The cemetery rules and regulations clearly state that the cemetery is not responsible for acts of vandalism or theft. In the case of vases, we do work with families to order a replacement vase. Those replacement vases are sold at our cost. We make no money on the replacement vase. If you have any follow-up questions, or need any additional information please feel free to contact me.
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