GETTING STARTED
Choosing a memorial
Questions to consider when purchasing a monument.
OUR APPROACH
What we believe — before any sale
We design and manufacture memorials right here in Van Buren — and we don't start talking granite until we've listened. To what you want, what your cemetery requires, and what fits your family.
THE FIRST QUESTION
Do I plan to be buried above ground, below ground, or cremated?
If you are planning on above ground burial it is best to have your mausoleum in place before the need arises, as this will eliminate the need to hold the body until the mausoleum is in place. The use of a mausoleum eliminates the cost of vaults, opening and closing of graves and the purchase of a separate monument. These costs are required when choosing in ground burial and should be considered when determining the best value for your family.
Cremation has become more popular in the last few years.
IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING CREMATION
Four questions to sit with
What do I want done with my ashes?
Some families scatter. Others choose a cemetery memorial, columbarium, bench, or marker — a permanent place where loved ones can return. We are glad to walk through the options with you.
What are the legal restrictions on the spreading of ashes?
Rules vary by county. We can point you toward the right local resources — and if you decide on a cemetery placement, we'll handle the memorial from there.
Do I want to provide a cemetery memorial, columbarium, bench, or marker where my ashes can rest with other loved ones?
Many families do. A cemetery memorial gives future generations somewhere to go — a place to visit, not just a date in a family file.
Even though I have chosen cremation, would the cemetery be the best place for future generations to look when tracing my life and their genealogy?
It's the question that brings most pre-need clients through our door. A cemetery record is searchable long after memories fade. Come in and we'll show you what fits.
IF YOU CHOOSE IN-GROUND BURIAL
What you can choose, and what may be limited by the cemetery
When choosing traditional in-ground burial, many cemeteries require a memorial be placed to mark your grave. Some cemeteries in our area restrict your choices. However, the vast majority in our area allow you a wide range of choices in size, color, finish, shape, etc. We have a large selection and variety for you to choose from. We are also able to custom-design a memorial for you or your loved one as well as produce any monument you may find in books, on the internet or have envisioned in your head.
ON PRICE
Why one monument may cost more than one that looks just like it
The cost of your monument is determined by the materials used (granite, marble, bronze etc.) and the color, size, finish and shape you choose. Do not be embarrassed to ask us questions such as "why is this monument more expensive than one that looks just like it?" Often the cost difference may be found in small changes that come unnoticed. We want you to have the most beautiful and memorable memorial you can have within your price range.
By communicating, we can help you find the memorial which best commemorates your loved one's life and your family's interest and taste.
OUR FOUNDATION
“We believe we are all created by God and share His life through Him. Thus each life is special and worthy of remembrance.”
From the Watkins Monuments home page · Van Buren, Arkansas