Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona
A state law was passed in 1976 and signed by Governor Raul Castro authorizing the development of a state veterans cemetery. The cemetery was dedicated December 9, 1978 and the first burial occurred on March 19, 1979. The cemetery was officially transferred to the VA on April 1, 1989. The cemetery consists of 225 acres and will not reach capacity until well after the year 2030. The Department of Veterans Affairs spent over $13 million for improvements in 1999. The project included three new committal shelters, maintenance building, visitor center, founders plaza, assembly area, columbaria, and extensive landscaping.
Monuments and Memorials As of 2003, there were 18 monuments and memorials at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, most arranged along a memorial walkway. Two unique memorials at the cemetery are the Eternal Flame monument, which is pyramidal in shape, and the World War II Submarine Torpedo monument.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Nathan E.
Cook, the last survivor of the Spanish American War, died in 1992 at the age of 106.
Sidney Bedoni, a native of Arizona, enlisted in the U.S.
Marine Corps on October 20, 1942. PFC Bedoni was a Navajo Code Talker in the Pacific Theater during World War II and served until January 18, 1946. Bedoni reenlisted in the Army on April 21, 1948, and fought during the Korean War. In 1988, Bedoni was promoted to sergeant major for his service. In 2001, the Navajo Code Talkers were presented with the Congressional Silver Medal. Bedoni, the last surviving Navajo Code Talker paratrooper, died June 8, 2014 .
Section 55, Site 3611
Richard Dooley, a native of Arizona, enlisted in the U.S.
Marines on October 10, 1942. Cpl. Doolie was a Navajo Code Talker in the Pacific Theater during World War II and served until December 26, 1945. In 2001, the Navajo Code Talkers were presented with the Congressional Silver Medal. Dooley's honor was posthumous. He died December 24, 1982 .
Section 12, Site 2232
Arthur J.
Hubbard Sr., a Navajo and native of Arizona, served in the U.S. Marine Corps (1939–1945). Pvt. Hubbard instructed Code Talkers during World War II. In 2001, the Navajo Code Talkers were presented with the Congressional Silver Medal. Hubbard became the first American Indian elected as an Arizona state senator (1972–1984) and he contributed to the establishment of the Navajo Nations first college, Diné College. He died February 7, 2014 .
Section 55, Site 3882
Joe Kellwood, a native of Arizona, was born in 1921 and enlisted in the U.S.
Marine Corps in October 1942. PVT First Class Kellwood served in World War II with the 1st Marine Division in the Pacific Theater. Kellwood saw action at Cape Gloucester, Peleliu and Okinawa, and he continued as a Navajo Code Talker through the war's end. In 2001, the Navajo Code Talkers were presented with the Congressional Silver Medal. After the war Kellwood returned to Arizona where he was active in veterans' organizations. He died September 5, 2016 .
Section 52, Site 161
Robert "Bert" Tallsalt of Arizona enlisted in the U.S.
Marine Corps on October 27, 1944, and served as a Navajo Code Talker in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After returning home, Tallsalt took a leadership role in the community, as a councilman representing Navajo Mountain, and as an educator. He received his degree from Utah State University and taught at the Intermountain School in Brigham City, Utah. In 2001, the Navajo Code Talkers were presented the Congressional Silver Medal. Tallsalt was active in the Navajo Code Talkers Association until his death in 2003 .
Section 18D, Site 2662
Eligibility for burial at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona
Planning ahead for a Veteran's or loved-one's final resting place can eliminate unnecessary delays and reduce stress on a family at a difficult time.
Request eligibility status for:
Veteran or servicemember Spouse Dependent family member Apply online »
Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active duty service requirement and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Directions
From Airport: Take Interstate 10 West to State Route 51 North. Follow State Route 51 to Loop 101 West. Following Loop 101 West to Cave Creek Road. Turn North on Cave Creek Road to Pinnacle Peak Road, turn right on East Pinnacle Peak Road and go ¼ mile. Cemetery will be on the right.
Floral and grounds policy
Flowers: At the time of your loved one's burial, a maximum of four fresh floral arrangements or sprays may accompany the casket or urn. These will be placed on the completed grave after the interment. Items will be removed from gravesites when they appear withered, faded, unsafe, offensive, encroach on adjacent gravesites, or are otherwise unsightly.
Fresh-cut and artificial flowers may be placed on graves at any time. Arrangements may not be more than 24" high. They cannot cover the marker or encroach upon adjacent gravesites.
Weapons policy
VA regulations 38 CFR 1.218 prohibit the carrying of firearms (either openly or concealed), explosives or other dangerous or deadly weapons while on VA property, except for official purposes, such as military funeral honors.
Possession of firearms on any property under the charge and control of VA is prohibited. Offenders may be subject to a fine, removal from the premises, or arrest.
Education and visiting programs
We are developing educational content for this national cemetery, and will post new materials as they become available. Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
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Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona (by straight-line distance):
- Prescott National Cemetery — Prescott, AZ (64 mi · unknown)
- Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Marana — Marana, AZ (95 mi · open)
- Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Camp Navajo — Bellemont, AZ (107 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 8555 East Pinnacle Peak Rd. in Scottsdale, AZ. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,305.
Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary Memorial Park is a premier funeral home located at 6500 East Bell Rd. in Scottsdale, AZ. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapels, reception facilities, and desert hills memorial park. Professional offerings include burial, cremation, and cemetery, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,410. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,280, while direct cremation is available from $2,410.
Hansen Mortuary Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 8314 N. 7th St. in Phoenix, AZ. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 4800 East Indian School Road in Phoenix, AZ. The property features well-appointed spaces including selection room, chapels, and lounges. Professional offerings include immediate need, traditional services, and cremation services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors.
A. L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuaries Bethany Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 710 West Bethany Home Road in Phoenix, AZ. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible event space, celebration of life center, and modern funeral home. Professional offerings include cremation, traditional burial, and celebration of life, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian Traditions, Buddhist, Catholic, Christian (Protestant), Hispanic Traditions, Hindu, Jewish, and Muslim.
Chapel of the Chimes is a premier funeral home located at 7924 North 59th Ave. in Glendale, AZ. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, coffee lounge, and reception area. Professional offerings include cremation, traditional burial, and celebration of life, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,460. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian Funeral Traditions, Buddhist, Catholic, Hispanic Funeral Traditions, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Black Funeral Traditions, Qingming Festival, Chung Yeung Festival, and Día de los Muertos.
West Resthaven Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 6450 West Northern Avenue in Glendale, AZ. The property features well-appointed spaces including large-capacity chapel (abbey chapel), cemetery (resthaven memorial park), and mausoleums (indoor, outdoor). Professional offerings include cremation, traditional burial, and celebration of life, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,335. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,335. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Vietnamese Catholic, Jewish, Christian (General), and Mexican Cultural Traditions (Día de los Muertos).
Messinger Indian School Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 7601 East Indian School Road in Scottsdale, AZ. The property features well-appointed spaces including witness room and viewing room. Professional offerings include cremation, witness cremation, and private viewing, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,565. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,420, while direct cremation is available from $1,565. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Christian, and Jewish.