Choosing the monument that marks the grave of a loved one is never easy.

It can be a more pleasant experience if you are dealing with a local merchant with a reputation you can trust.

Keepsake Monuments of Draffenville is locally owned and operated by David and Priscilla Edwards. They have been at the Draffenville location for 20 years. Quality and variety combined with service gives Keepsake Monuments the edge in the monument market.

Customers may select a monument from a variety of color, including gray, black, brown, red and other new colors that are being imported.

Black monuments are in high demand now because of the personalized etching available. A pencil drawing of an etching is available for approval before the project is started.

The unusual thing about the black stones with etching is how expressive they are. A photograph or scenic art may be added to a black stone that gives the monument a personalized style. Black granite is solid granite and will not fade.

While traditional monuments were engraved with religious scenes, today's monument is often a tribute to the individual and his or her interests in life. Some themes used in modern monuments include biking, nature, sports, music, farm scenes, and outdoor scenes.

All lettering and design are done at the Draffenville location using state-of-art equipment by local craftsmen. Many people are choosing from the large library of designs at Keepsake Monuments while others are bringing in their own artwork.

Service to the customer has always been an important part of Keepsake Monuments. They set monuments year-round with a three to five week delivery date after your monument has been chosen. They have bronze markers for those cemeteries that require them.

Although most people think of a monument company as selling grave markers for family members, there are also monuments available designed for beloved pets, mausoleums, and granite signs for businesses and subdivisions and cemeteries.

While making decisions about monuments may not be the most pleasant task, it is less difficult where compassion is the norm.