Kerman, California’s only cemetery has left families and residents with uncertainty and frustration after Golden Sunset Memorial Park posted a letter outside the cemetery that stated it is set to close on June 1, 2025 “due to circumstances beyond [their] control.” Families and residents were not sent any notification of this recent update, but instead found out through social media posts with the letter pictured.
Theresa Erickson, who now lives in Auberry, grew up in Kerman and made the trip to pay respects to her family members’ burials. Erickson was notified by her relative Debbie, a resident of Kerman, of a Facebook post with the picture of the letter attached.
Erickson mentioned she has her mom, dad, brothers, sister-in-laws, aunts and uncles buried there and also has prepaid plots. She has not received any information as to what will happen to the prepaid plots. She worries that a full reimbursement won’t be covered as she bought the plot years ago; she is also worried about the maintenance of the cemetery past its closure.
Rich and Rosie Quiroz, husband and wife, also have generations of family at this resting ground. Rich mentioned he has at least 3-4 generations at the cemetery spanning as early as the 1940s. Rich and Rosie were at the cemetery cleaning up their relatives’ headstones. The couple was also not notified of the recent news.
The City of Kerman released a statement in response:
“Golden Sunset Memorial Park is adjacent to the city of Kerman, but is located outside of the city limits, so the City of Kerman has no jurisdiction over the operation of the cemetery… any interested parties should contact the owners.”
In a statement to YourCentralValley.com, Golden Sunset Memorial Park claimed efforts were made to contact the City of Kerman, local churches of Kerman, local surrounding cemeteries, and the County of Fresno asking for someone to accept the cemetery as a donation. “I was met with either no return calls or was told they were not interested in the donation.”
The notice was given because the license holder was placed in hospice care following a cancer diagnosis.
Golden Sunset Memorial Park has a local groundskeeper, Jeff, who lives on site. Jeff has been working as the groundskeeper for ten years. He grew up in Kerman and is very passionate about caring for the cemetery.
“I grew up in Kerman and have buried many people I know,” he said solemnly. “I just buried my best friend who was murdered.”
When asked what will happen to him after the cemetery closes, Jeff stated uncertainty, but hope. “I don’t think it will close. They’re not just going to abandon it. They’ll find someone. And hopefully the new owner allows me to continue working here. I’m even willing to volunteer to keep the cemetery clean.”
Jeff also mentions that the operators are looking into expanding the property to make it more appealing to buyers.
For now, Fresno County District 1 Supervisor Brian Pacheco, who represents the city of Kerman, expressed his disappointment and presented an action plan.
“I got consent from the Board of Supervisors that I will be working with the county council of Fresno, and we will petition; we believe the Superior Court of the State of California has jurisdiction over these matters,” said Pacheco. “I, as an individual, l will be petitioning on behalf of the residents for the court to intervene and have a working plan going forward.”
Supervisor Pacheco lends his support to community members.
“I want to tell the residents of Kerman I realize this is a really disturbing situation for you. No one should have to deal with this; it is not your fault, but I will be here to help you, and we will get through it.”
In the wake of uncertainty surrounding Golden Sunset Memorial Park, the residents of Kerman find themselves grappling with unresolved questions and deep concerns about the final resting place of their loved ones.
For families like those of Theresa Erickson, Rosie and Rich Quiroz, and the dedicated groundskeeper Jeff, the looming closure of the cemetery is not just a bureaucratic matter, it is a profound emotional burden.
As Supervisor Brian Pacheco takes action, promising to advocate for a resolution in court, residents are left hoping that their history and memories will not be abandoned.
The situation at Golden Sunset Memorial Park is a reminder of the need for accountability in privately managed spaces that serve public and emotional needs. For now, Kerman’s community waits clinging to hope, demanding answers, and refusing to let the final chapter of their loved ones’ stories be written without care.
