The Kittitas County Coroner’s Office is inviting community members to attend a graveside service honoring individuals who came into our care through the indigent and unclaimed decedent program.

This program exists to ensure that every person is treated with dignity in death, even when no next of kin can be located, no one is able to assume responsibility for final arrangements, or financial resources are not available for burial or cremation. In these cases, the Coroner’s Office works to carry out its legal responsibilities while providing respectful and appropriate care for the deceased.

The indigent and unclaimed program serves two important purposes: to provide final disposition for those who would otherwise go without, and to recognize the inherent worth and humanity of every individual in our community.

The upcoming graveside service offers an opportunity for the public to join us in remembering those who died without family present or without the means to arrange services on their own behalf. Though these individuals may have been unclaimed or indigent at the time of death, they are not forgotten.

“Every person deserves dignity, respect, and remembrance,” said Cori McKean, Kittitas County Coroner. “This service is a way for our office and our community to pause, bear witness, and honor the lives of those who came into our care.”

Community members, local officials, faith leaders, service organizations, and anyone wishing to pay their respects are encouraged to attend.

Graveside Service Information
Date: May 20th, 2026
Time: 10:00am
Location: IOOF Cemetery, Community Vault, 1900 Brick Rd, Ellensburg WA