Ivy Lawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home

Ivy Lawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, located at 5400 Valentine Road in Ventura, California, is a historic and tranquil final resting place that has served the community for over a century. As a non-profit cemetery celebrating 100 years of dedicated service, Ivy Lawn stands out as Ventura County's only historical district cemetery, recognized for its distinctive design, association with historic events, and the graves of individuals of transcendent importance.

Spanning 60 beautiful acres just a mile north of the Santa Clara River and two miles east of the Pacific Ocean, the grounds offer a serene environment with a variety of features. Visitors will find well-maintained gardens, historic areas with large upright tombstones and flat markers near the entrance, woodland gardens, and scenic overlooks. The cemetery provides multiple interment options, including traditional in-ground burial, indoor and outdoor niches for cremated remains, crypts, and modern scattering gardens—one of which is designated specifically for veterans. The grounds are meticulously cared for year-round, ensuring a dignified and peaceful atmosphere.

Ivy Lawn's history is deeply intertwined with Ventura County's past. The earliest extant tombstones date back to the early 1870s, coinciding with the formation of Ventura County from Santa Barbara County. One of the most poignant historical events associated with the cemetery occurred in March 1928, when the St. Francis Dam collapsed 54 miles upriver, killing at least 400 people. Many victims were laid to rest in a mass grave at Ivy Lawn, a somber reminder of the region's history.

Today, Ivy Lawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home is fully operational, offering compassionate and affordable services including direct burial, direct cremation, and pre-planning options. Their mission is to make final arrangements easy so families can focus on what truly matters. The on-site funeral home provides seamless coordination between funeral services and cemetery interment, ensuring a smooth and respectful experience. Operating hours are 8 AM to 4 PM daily, with weekend appointments available. The facility is wheelchair accessible with accessible parking.

As a non-profit organization, Ivy Lawn reinvests its resources into maintaining the beautiful grounds and providing affordable options for the community. Whether honoring a loved one with a traditional burial, choosing cremation, or planning ahead, Ivy Lawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home offers a place of peace, history, and lasting memory.