Gravestones: How to Choose a Lasting Tribute for Your Loved One

Choosing a memorial is often a first-time decision, and it usually comes during one of life’s most difficult moments. At Delphos Granite Works, we understand that gravestones are far more than markers. They are lasting tributes that tell a loved one’s story in stone and give family and friends a peaceful place to remember.

Why a Thoughtful Memorial Matters

A well-designed monument stands for generations. It preserves names, dates, and meaningful details for children and grandchildren who may visit long after the service. Taking time to understand your options helps you create a tribute that feels personal, avoids surprises, and reflects the life it honors.

Popular Memorial Styles to Consider

Every family has different needs, budgets, and cemetery requirements. Common options include:

  • Upright monuments: Classic and highly visible, with plenty of space for carving and artwork.
  • Flat and bevel markers: An economical choice that still offers many colors and finishes.
  • Slants: A sloped design that blends the profile of an upright with a smaller footprint.
  • Bench memorials: A functional tribute that gives visitors a place to sit and reflect.
  • Cremation memorials: Designed to securely hold remains, available as uprights, benches, or flat markers.

Personalizing with Artwork

Personal details turn traditional gravestones into one-of-a-kind tributes. Three popular artwork methods include:

  • Deep cut: The design is sandblasted into the stone and works on any granite color.
  • Laser etching: Ideal for photographs and fine detail on black granite.
  • Diamond etching: Hand-drawn by a skilled artist and the only method that allows color.

Epitaphs, religious symbols, hobbies, and family emblems can also be added to capture what made your loved one unique.

Craftsmanship You Can Trust

Delphos Granite Works is one of the largest monument companies in northwest Ohio, with 35 locations and representatives ready to help. The family’s memorial tradition dates back to 1880, and today all sandblasting, laser work, and diamond etching are completed in our own Delphos facility instead of being outsourced. This blend of old-world craftsmanship and modern technology helps ensure our gravestones withstand the test of time.

Tips Before You Begin

  • Check your cemetery’s rules on size and memorial type.
  • Gather names, dates, and any special artwork or photos.
  • Think about future needs, such as a companion memorial.

Start Your Memorial Today

Honoring a loved one with a lasting tribute is a meaningful step, and you do not have to take it alone. Delphos Granite Works is here to guide your family from the first sketch to the final installation, creating a memorial that tells your story in stone for generations to come.

Ready to begin? Call us at (419) 695-5500 or visit our Delphos showroom to start designing a tribute that lasts forever.

About us

Delphos Granite Works is the largest monument company in northwest Ohio with 35 locations and representatives to serve you. We offer cemetery headstone, gravestones, headstones, monuments, and many other granite products.
   

Contact Us

201 E. First St.
P.O. Box 336
Delphos, OH 45833

(419) 695-5500
(419) 695-0317

Business hours

Come visit us!

Monday thru Friday: 8:00am to 4:30pm

After hours by appointment

Saturday: By appointment only

Sunday: Closed

Delivery Receiving Hours:
Monday thru Friday
7:00am to 3:00pm