Policies & Guidelines Overview
Ruidoso Hondo Valley Memorial Park is designed as a park-plan cemetery — a peaceful, open landscape where all are interred equally, and the beauty of the grounds serves as the primary tribute.
To preserve this setting and ensure consistent care for generations to come, the following guidelines support the cemetery’s long-term stewardship and appearance.
Quick Facts
Services: Monday–Saturday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (excluding certain holidays)
Advance notice is required:
72 hours for interments
Additional notice for disinterments
Flat bronze and granite memorials only (no upright monuments)
RHVMP is an endowed care (perpetual care) cemetery
All landscaping and grounds maintenance are managed by cemetery staff
Memorial Requirements
To maintain the cemetery’s open and uniform landscape:
• All memorials must be flat, flush-mounted bronze or granite markers set level with the turf
• Upright monuments are not permitted 
• Memorials must meet approved size, material, and installation standards
• Installations must comply with cemetery specifications to ensure long-term stability
• A 72-hour notice is required prior to installation
Memorials that do not meet these standards may be declined or require adjustment prior to installation.
Interments & Services
All interments, disinterments, and related services are coordinated and performed by cemetery staff to ensure accuracy, dignity, and consistency.
• Services are conducted Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (excluding certain holidays)
• Advance notice is required:
• At least 72 hours for interments
• Additional notice for disinterments
• Full payment and required documentation must be completed prior to services
All interments are carried out using cemetery-approved procedures, equipment, and oversight.
Perpetual Care Commitment
RHVMP operates as an endowed care cemetery in accordance with New Mexico law.
A portion of each plot purchase is placed into a perpetual care trust fund. Income from this fund supports ongoing:
• Lawn and landscape maintenance
• Irrigation and roadway care
• Tree and shrub trimming
• General upkeep of interment areas
• Maintenance of memorial markers
Care is provided in accordance with the resources of the trust fund and in alignment with state regulations.
Decorations & Visitor Guidelines
To maintain consistency and preserve the peaceful setting:
• All landscaping and grounds care are managed by cemetery staff
• Floral arrangements and decorations may be removed when they become weathered or unsightly
• Seasonal decorations are removed within designated timeframes
• Items placed outside established guidelines may be respectfully removed
Visitors are asked to:
• Maintain quiet during services
• Drive only on designated roadways
• Supervise children at all times
• Refrain from bringing pets or alcohol onto the grounds
Fees and policies are subject to change without notice.
Ownership & Interment Rights
A Certificate of Ownership conveys the exclusive right of sepulture within a designated grave space.
Ownership, transfers, and interment rights are governed by New Mexico law and cemetery policy.
For detailed information regarding ownership, transfers, or family burial rights, please refer to the full Rules & Regulations document or contact the cemetery office directly.