Compassionate Resources to Guide You in Honoring a Loved One

We believe that creating a memorial should be a thoughtful and healing experience. We understand that for many families, this process may be new, unfamiliar, or emotionally overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this Resource Center—to give you the guidance, clarity, and support you need as you honor your loved one.

You’re Not Alone—We’re Here to Help

Every family’s journey is unique, and so is every memorial. These resources are designed to gently guide you through the process—from choosing a monument to understanding cemetery rules, pricing, and design options.

Patten's Michigan Monument Company Hastings, MI Team Photo

Our Commitment to You

When you come to Patten’s, you’re not just selecting a memorial—you’re placing your trust in a team that truly cares. We are here to support you with:

How to Choose a Monument

Not sure where to begin? This guide walks you through the basics of choosing a memorial—from materials and styles to inscriptions and personalization. We’ll help you feel confident and comfortable in your decisions.
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Brochures

Download our brochures for an in-depth look at our products and services. These beautifully designed guides include examples of headstones, cremation memorials, civic monuments, and more.

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Monument Cost & Pricing

Understanding pricing helps you plan with peace of mind. This section breaks down the cost of different monument types, materials, engraving options, and installation—so there are no surprises.

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Videos

Watch helpful videos that explain our process, showcase our craftsmanship, and highlight memorials we’ve created for families and communities across Michigan.

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Cemetery Rules

Each cemetery has its own guidelines for monuments, sizes, materials, and installations. Use this page to understand local cemetery regulations and how we help you navigate them.
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Blogs

Explore thoughtful articles on memorial planning, symbolism, pre-need arrangements, monument stories, and more. Our blog offers comfort, education, and inspiration.

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Not Sure Where to Start? Let Us Help You.

We’re here to offer guidance, support, and expert craftsmanship at every stage. From selecting the right granite and design elements to personalizing inscriptions and symbols, we simplify the journey with care and attention to detail. Our compassionate team takes the time to listen to your needs, ensuring that the monument you create is not just a marker, but a beautiful and timeless tribute that tells a unique story.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions families ask during this journey. You’ll find information about timelines, payment options, working with cemeteries, material choices, and more.

Memorials represent the legacy of the family or individual they are made for. Often times it is easier to gain an accurate picture of that legacy as well as take the pressure off family members during times of grief if they are purchased pre-need.

Regulations and restrictions are determined by each cemetery and the cities in which they are located. Sometimes they even vary within the same cemetery. We generally recommend checking on cemetery regulations before purchasing a marker or at the time of purchasing a plot. Some only allow flush markers while others allow the full range of custom memorials.

It is not necessary to purchase a memorial in the event of cremation and marking the grave is completely up to you and your family. However, we recommend obtaining a memorial or marker of some kind for reflection and closure. There are many types of memorials that hold cremains such as benches, monuments, some slant markers, and columbaria.

On average it takes one-to-six months to produce and deliver a memorial depending on the season and availability of granite. Most cemeteries will have the ground prepared and the foundation poured before the delivery.

The investment you make in a memorial varies greatly and depends on many factors such as size, shape, granite type, availability, and the detail of design work that goes into the production of the memorial. If you are curious to know some exact figures, we recommend filling out a quote form and talking with a representative.

Yes, absolutely. We offer a variety of customization options including laser-etched portraits, ceramic photos, engraved symbols, and artwork that reflect the individual’s life, personality, or heritage. Our team will guide you through the available choices to create a tribute as unique as your loved one.

We regularly work with cemeteries across the country. If your loved one is buried out of state, we can still design and produce the monument here, then coordinate shipping and installation with the cemetery. Our team will handle the logistics to ensure a smooth and respectful process.

Yes, many families choose double monuments or shared family memorials with space for multiple names and dates. When the time comes, we can return to the site and add inscriptions that match the original style and lettering. This service is known as final date engraving or inscription matching.

Personalized Support Every Step of the Way

Even with the best resources, you may still have questions—and that’s okay. Our team is here to offer guidance with patience, compassion, and expertise. We’re happy to walk you through the process, offer recommendations, and provide a listening ear whenever you need one.

What Our Amazing Families Have Said

Ready To Begin Building Your Legacy?

Begin your journey by exploring the 5 essential steps to choosing a monument, a thoughtful guide designed to help you understand the process from start to finish. From selecting a meaningful design to choosing the right material, we walk with you every step of the way.

Create A Monument With Us