NGL celebrates team members’ impressive achievements and performance

Madison, Wis. (October 7, 2025) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) recognized four team members with G.R.I.T. Awards during its companywide All Hands Meeting in September. The awards incorporate NGL’s vision for the future, Together for Tomorrow, into its team members’ daily professional lives. The peer nominations recognized and celebrated colleagues for their outstanding achievements and performance.

The awards highlight the winning mindsets that need to be demonstrated for everyone to deliver and successfully achieve NGL’s goals and vision.

There are four distinct categories for the G.R.I.T. Awards:

Growth and Personal Development Award – Kyle Steensland, New Business Process Analyst

The recipient of this award sets clear professional and personal growth objectives. They hold themselves accountable for their own growth and NGL accountable for support. The individual also embraces courageous conversations and chooses to stay resilient through challenges.

Kyle was nominated two times for the Growth and Personal Development Award and received a nomination for a different category. One person who nominated Kyle shared, “Kyle has been endlessly dedicated to the New Business team and NGL. He always goes the extra mile when approached with questions or requests. Kyle is not afraid to dive deep into the nitty gritty to find an answer when something is unresolved or unclear. On top of that, while he is generous with both his time and knowledge, his work is never short of being detailed, thorough, and timely.”

Resilience and Accountability Award – Cody Lomholt, Assistant Vice President, IT Operations

This award recipient is resilient and perseveres. They believe in holding themselves and others accountable for actions and outcomes. Commitment to results and follow through is a basis of their work ethic.

Cody received three nominations for the Resilience and Accountability Award. Nominators shared, “Cody consistently demonstrates resilience and accountability in managing the IT Software and Services budget with exceptional diligence and integrity. He holds himself and vendors to the highest standards. Cody has been instrumental in pulling together large IT initiatives and working closely with vendors to achieve good outcomes.”

Initiative, Drive and Execution Award – Terry Bosky, Senior Payment Specialist

This award is for the NGL team member who takes initiative with a bias for effective action. They ask for help when needed and look beyond daily tasks to effectively execute plans.

Terry received five nominations for the Initiative, Drive and Execution Award. One nomination explained, “Terry incorporates initiative, drive and execution into each of his projects at NGL. Terry is not only meticulous and organized in creating clear and accurate resources for all NGL employees to utilize, but he creates an environment where people feel safe to take risks and share ideas without fear of judgment. Terry encourages team members to develop their skills and others to help them along the way. His knowledge tagged with his understanding make you feel valued and supported.”

Trust in Each Other Award – Sarah Reed, Operations Manager

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated trust in themselves, peers and leaders. They empower others, is empowered and delegates, as well as fosters open communication by giving and receiving constructive feedback. Collaboration within and across teams is paramount to their work.

Sarah received five nominations for this award. “Sarah goes above and beyond for our team. Multiple times I have gone to Sarah with any kind of issue, and she does all she can to track down the resolution and always makes me feel like I am an appreciated member of the team. She really does care about all of us and wants us all to become the best versions of ourselves.”

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

NGL celebrates team members’ impressive achievements and performance

Madison, Wis. (August 5, 2025) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) recognized four team members with G.R.I.T. Awards during its companywide All Hands Meeting in July. The awards incorporate NGL’s vision for the future, Together for Tomorrow, into its team members’ daily professional lives. The peer nominations recognized and celebrated colleagues for their outstanding achievements and performance.

The awards highlight the winning mindsets that need to be demonstrated for everyone to deliver and successfully achieve NGL’s goals and vision.

There are four distinct categories for the G.R.I.T. Awards:

Growth and Personal Development Award – Dylan Etter, Payroll and Disbursements Manager

The recipient of this award sets clear professional and personal growth objectives. They hold themselves accountable for their own growth and NGL accountable for support. The individual also embraces courageous conversations and chooses to stay resilient through challenges.

Dylan was nominated three times for the Growth and Personal Development Award. One person who nominated Dylan shared, “Dylan is a remarkably dedicated team player and is consistently willing to take on new challenges to ensure business needs are met. Dylan is not afraid to ask tough questions when needed, and approaches problems with a practical, thoughtful mindset. He is considerate of other viewpoints and always open to learning new things.”

Resilience and Accountability Award – Courtney Shaffer, Senior Business Systems Analyst

This award recipient is resilient and perseveres. They believe in holding themselves and others accountable for actions and outcomes. Commitment to results and follow through is a basis of their work ethic.

Courtney was awarded the Resilience and Accountability Award. “Courtney has shown growth and resilience by learning and approaching her understanding of technical integrations and corresponding work. Through all of this she has now taken on a large assignment to look more wholistically at integrations for an initiative.”

Initiative, Drive and Execution Award – Andy Mohr, Assistant Vice President, Internal Audit

This award is for the NGL team member who takes initiative with a bias for effective action. They ask for help when needed and look beyond daily tasks to effectively execute plans.

Receiving four nominations for the Initiative, Drive and Execution Award, Andy incorporates initiative, drive and execution into each of his projects at NGL. “Andy quietly and consistently accomplishes all that he is asked to, and more. His analytical and mindful approach has helped to streamline timelines, test procedures, and expand scope; resulting in reduced fees and increased internal understanding of workflows. He willingly takes on additional responsibility if it benefits the organization.”

Trust in Each Other Award – Jaime Perez, Senior Agent Solutions Coordinator

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated trust in themselves, peers and leaders. They empower others, is empowered and delegates, as well as fosters open communication by giving and receiving constructive feedback. Collaboration within and across teams is paramount to their work.

“Jaime is always the first one who takes initiative to complete daily tasks and with an upbeat attitude. She is always available for the team as a resource for help with escalated calls, questions in regards to a pending application or a process or just to bounce ideas off. Jaime is truly someone that we can rely on and is there for the team in the most upbeat, can-do personality and always rooting for the team.”

NGL is a life and health insurance company specializing in individual and group products. We offer a suite of innovative insurance products for life’s journey, giving our customers financial stability, careful guidance and peace of mind. With 116 years in the insurance industry, we take pride in delivering on our promises across generations with collaboration and compassion.

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

Photo from left to right: Dylan Etter, Payroll and Disbursements Manager; Jaime Perez, Senior Agent Solutions Coordinator; Courtney Shaffer, Senior Business Systems Analyst; Joe Celentano, President & CEO. Not pictured: Andy Mohr, Assistant Vice President, Internal Audit.

The ICCFA Celebrates a Groundbreaking 2025 Experience in Las Vegas

STERLING, Va. (May 22, 2025) – The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the 2025 ICCFA Experience, held April 30–May 3 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The event welcomed 867 attendees and drew a total of more than 2,000 individuals for an immersive, high-energy gathering focused on innovation, education, and connection.

This year’s event marked the debut of the ICCFA Experience, a bold rebranding of the association’s long-standing Annual Convention & Exposition. The new format and identity were designed to reflect the evolving needs of the deathcare profession and deliver a dynamic, future-focused event unlike anything before.

“This year’s Experience was a transformative moment for the ICCFA,” said ICCFA Executive Director Nadira Baddeliyanage. “From moving the educational sessions to the Expo Hall floor to featuring powerful programming on leadership, technology, and community connection, we wanted attendees to leave feeling energized and equipped—and they did.”

The updated format introduced Three Stages: One Experience, where education was seamlessly woven into the bustling Expo Hall. Dozens of expert-led sessions covered critical topics such as employee retention, cremation revenue strategies, food and beverage integration, digital marketing, and the intersection of AI and empathy in deathcare.

Central to the event experience was the ICCFA Food & Beverage Lounge, a vibrant hub located in the middle of the Expo Hall. Designed as a place for attendees to connect, recharge, and share ideas, the lounge hosted all meal services and receptions throughout the event—creating a natural gathering point for networking and community building.

A standout moment of the event was keynote speaker Clint Pulver, who delivered a powerful and unforgettable session on creating organizational cultures where employees want to stay. His high-energy presentation included an interactive drumming activity that brought the audience to life and perfectly complemented the event’s focus on inspiration and engagement.

“This year wasn’t just about programming; it was about participation,” said ICCFA Past President Lee Longino. “You could feel the energy on the floor—from the ribbon cutting to the late afternoon receptions. Every conversation was an opportunity to spark new ideas or build on trusted relationships.”

The President’s Welcome Reception & Banquet, held on opening night, brought together attendees and exhibitors for an evening of food, networking, and laughter, capped by a comedy performance from Cristela Alonzo. The evening also featured the Celebration of Remembrance, a moving tribute honoring those who have died in the past year. During the banquet, Lee Longino ceremonially passed the gavel to Robert Gordon, Jr., CCE, who was introduced as the new ICCFA President.

The reception also included a special moment honoring Jay D. Dodds, who was presented with the 2025 ICCFA Educational Foundation’s Lasting Impact Award in recognition of his lifelong dedication to education, mentorship, and elevating the profession.

“This was my first ICCFA event as president, and I couldn’t be more proud,” said ICCFA President Robert Gordon, Jr., CCE. “Our profession is evolving rapidly, and the engagement we saw in Las Vegas proves that our members are not just adapting—they’re leading. We’re embracing bold ideas and championing change in ways that will benefit our communities and the families we serve.”

The 2025 ICCFA Experience also featured committee meetings, networking events, and the inaugural Irwin W. Shipper Legislative Session & Reception, offering attendees key updates on legal and regulatory issues shaping the future of the profession.

Planning is already underway for next year’s ICCFA Experience, which will take place April 29–May 2, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas.

For the latest updates and highlights, visit iccfa.com/annual. 

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Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral, and memorialization profession. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home, and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.

Starmark Local Celebrates One-Year Anniversary in Statesville, North Carolina

STATESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – Vandor Corporation is proud to announce the first anniversary of its Starmark Local distribution center in Statesville, North Carolina. Vandor is celebrating a successful year marked by building trust and reputation with customers, establishing operational excellence, and sustaining growth for the future. 

The North Carolina-based Starmark Local Distribution Center opened in May 2024 and tackled some challenges in its first year, including navigating Hurricane Helene. The Starmark team started with Haley Cowles, the Service Center Director, but today consists of three team members who serve funeral homes and crematories in a large territory in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.

Haley Cowles had nothing but positive words for her first year of experience in funeral service: “Opening Starmark Local in North Carolina has been such an exciting adventure for us. Joining a new company and having Starmark trust me to build this local business from the ground up has been an honor. Being new to the funeral industry, I was very nervous, but with the great leadership and training from Starmark, they helped us succeed in our first year!” 

Looking ahead, Starmark Local remains committed to delivering exceptional value and white-glove service, guided by its core values: staying customer-focused, detail-oriented, appreciative of its team, and unwavering in integrity and professionalism.

“We are looking forward to growing our relationship and partnering with many more funeral homes over the next several years.” Haley shares, “The key is building the relationships and earning customers’ respect and trust.” 

About Starmark Cremation and Starmark Local: 

Since 2004, the Starmark brand has designed, marketed, and manufactured Sensible Solutions® for its customers. Starmark prides itself on providing innovative, affordable, and high-quality products so that our customers can focus on the things that matter most: allowing families to lay their loved ones to rest in an affordable yet dignified and respectful manner. Our ability to craft and deliver is part of the formula that helps us serve funeral professionals.

Starmark Local, a division of Starmark, is dedicated to offering personalized white-glove delivery service for the Starmark Funeral Products line. 

For more information visit: www.starmarkcp.com 

Selected Leadership Academy Celebrates Graduating Class

2023-2025 Graduating Class Honored as New Participants Welcomed

CHICAGO, Ill. – May 6, 2025 — Members of Selected Independent Funeral Homes’ Leadership Academy created another memorable Leadership Conference in Centennial, CO on April 29 – May 2.

The event kicked off with orientation for the Academy’s new 2025-2027 class. The conference continued with a variety of events and activities, including members of the graduating class, Second Wind, giving their individual Capstone presentations prior to their graduation ceremony.

This year’s graduates are:

• Matt Asta, Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home in Phoenix, Arizona
• Stacy Billow, The Billow Company in Akron, Ohio
• Meghan Burmeister, Busch Funeral and Crematory Services in Cleveland, Ohio
• Hyrum Heward, Larkin Mortuary in Salt Lake City, Utah
• Jill Lazar, Hoffman Funeral Home & Crematory in Carlisle, Pennsylvania
• Joeylynne Luck, Panebaker Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center, Inc. in Hanover, Pennsylvania
• Francis Maggiore, Keohane Funeral Home in Quincy, Massachusetts
• Doug Reinbold, Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home in Sheboygan, Wisconsin
• Jason Storm, Starks Family Funeral Homes in St. Joseph, Michigan
• Ping Wu, Cypress Lawn in Colma, California

“It was exciting to celebrate the Academy’s twelfth graduating class,” said Melanie Hofmann, Professional Development and Events Manager. “When developing this program more than a decade ago, it was built on the mission to teach principles of leadership to current and emerging leaders within Selected member firms. Today we have more than 100 members who have experienced this meaningful and impactful program. It’s a testament to how Selected members truly are committed to life-long learning and being leaders, no matter position or title.”

Selected is grateful for ASD, the Academy’s Official Partner.

About the Selected Leadership Academy: The Selected Leadership Academy is a personalized journey for those, no matter title or position, who believe their leadership matters and choose to become better. It is open to anyone actively engaged in the daily operations of a Selected member firm who is inspired to expand their leadership skills. For more than a decade, the Academy has focused on building and supporting leaders because leadership is so deeply woven into the fabric of Selected’s culture.

About Selected Independent Funeral Homes: Selected Independent Funeral Homes delivers innovative and pertinent resources, solutions and ongoing support necessary for enduring excellence to its international network of independently owned death-care providers who aspire to be the very best in their profession. Members of Selected operate according to specific standards and best practices to provide the public with reliable, high-quality service and funeral-related information.

NGL celebrates team members’ impressive achievements and performance

Madison, Wis. (April 17, 2025) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) recognized four team members with G.R.I.T. Awards during its companywide All Hands Meeting in April. The awards incorporate NGL’s vision for the future, Together for Tomorrow, into its team members’ daily professional lives. Over 100 peer nominations recognized and celebrated colleagues for their outstanding achievements and performance.

The awards highlight the winning mindsets that need to be demonstrated for everyone to deliver and successfully achieve NGL’s goals and vision.

There are four distinct categories for the G.R.I.T. Awards:

Growth and Personal Development Award – Brandon Hellwig, Senior Sales Analyst

The recipient of this award sets clear professional and personal growth objectives. They hold themselves accountable for their own growth and NGL accountable for support. The individual also embraces courageous conversations and chooses to stay resilient through challenges.

Brandon was nominated four times for the Growth and Personal Development Award. “Brandon has shown leadership, is courteous and professional,” shared one nominator. “He is reliable, knowledgeable and extremely organized. Brandon has grown and developed in his position.”

Resilience and Accountability Award – Bruce Nyberg, iSeries Support Specialist

This award recipient is resilient and perseveres. They believe in holding themselves and others accountable for actions and outcomes. Commitment to results and follow through is a basis of their work ethic.

Receiving six nominations from his colleagues, Bruce was awarded the Resilience and Accountability Award. One person who nominated Bruce said, “Bruce holds himself strongly accountable for all the work that he does. He is an invaluable resource for NGL, as well as an outstanding person. He is always willing to help others and solve problems. Bruce goes above and beyond to stay later or drop everything he is working on to help.”

Initiative, Drive and Execution Award – Mandie Hall, Account Success Associate

This award is for the NGL team member who takes initiative with a bias for effective action. They ask for help when needed and look beyond daily tasks to effectively execute plans.

Receiving four nominations for the Initiative, Drive and Execution Award, Mandie incorporates initiative, drive and execution into each of her projects at NGL. “Mandie is understanding, compassionate and knowledgeable. She takes the time to make sure that any issues are heard and resolved. She shows tremendous leadership, is a great worker and an even better person.”

Trust in Each Other Award – Colin Regan, Senior Agent Solutions Coordinator

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated trust in themselves, peers and leaders. They empower others, is empowered and delegates, as well as fosters open communication by giving and receiving constructive feedback. Collaboration within and across teams is paramount to their work.

“Colin exemplifies trust through his strong communication skills, deep understanding of the business and commitment to collaboration. He consistently demonstrates professionalism by articulating ideas clearly, facilitating productive discussions and guiding teams toward well-informed decisions. Through his actions, Colin not only builds trust but also strengthens the success of those around him.”

NGL is a life and health insurance company specializing in individual and group products. We offer a suite of innovative insurance products for life’s journey, giving our customers financial stability, careful guidance and peace of mind. With 116 years in the insurance industry, we take pride in being there for our customers when they need it most.

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

In the cover photo: From left to right: Joe Celentano, President & CEO; Bruce Nyberg, iSeries Support Specialist; Brandon Hellwig, Senior Sales Analyst; Colin Regan, Senior Agent Solutions Coordinator; Cara Capretta, Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer Not pictured: Mandie Hall, Account Success Associate

Parting Stone, the New Mexico based start-up that takes cremated ash remains and turns them into what they term “Solidified Remains” recently sent out this press release celebrating their 10,000th family served in their short business history.

In the press release the company says this about their achievement, “This milestone marks a significant achievement in the company’s mission to provide a comforting, tangible alternative to conventional cremated remains and highlights an important shift in the modern grief experience in America.”

The company calls their solid form of cremated remains, which results in 40-80 small stones “a complete alternative to conventional “ashes.”

Related Article — In a somewhat related article the New York Post published this article recently titled, “How innovative cremation services are giving a new spin to the end of life”.   The article features Parting Stone but also mentions about a dozen other alternatives for cremated remains.

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

The article intimates that with the high percentage of cremations taking place there is also a feeling that burial of cremated remains, niche placement, and even home urn placement are not the preferred ways that people want to memorialize their cremated loved ones.  According to the article, “They (consumers) want customized events paired with tactile experiences. Not surprisingly, a creative movement memorializing ashes is now happening.”

To that end, there are many opportunities, wide and varied in scope, coming to market for the these consumers looking for another option and the article mentions many of them with links to the processes.

I would suggest that you read the article and learn of the options available.  Many of them offer commissions or margins to funeral directors who facilitate the sale and, in a business looking for increased revenue, that revenue may come in handy.

The NY Post article states, “According to the Cremations Association of North America’s 2022 Cremation Memorialization Research, almost one in four US households, or approximately 22 million families, have human cremated remains in their homes.”

Disclosure:  The author of this article for Funeral Director Daily is a shareholder of Parting Stone.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

10,000 Families, 10,000 Stories: Parting Stone Celebrates a Milestone of Love and Remembrance

Just over four years ago, in September 2019, Connecting Directors shared our first feature on Santa Fe startup Parting Stone, introducing our readers to the innovative concept of solidified remains. Parting Stone was a true labor of love for founder Justin Crowe, who was inspired by the loss of his grandfather to find a way for families who chose cremation to nurture a continuing bond with their loved one.

“People who live with cremated remains desperately want to feel a connection with them,” Crowe told us then, “but they can’t. In their hearts people want to cherish the remains of their loved ones and pets but they feel frustrated because they don’t know what to do with them.”

In their first year, Parting Stone welcomed investments by angel investors, partnered with hundreds of funeral homes, and transformed more than 1,200 human and animal cremated remains into smooth, clean, and solid stones. By 2023, the company had attracted even more investment partners, moved into a spacious new headquarters, expanded into Australia, and won an appearance on Shark Tank, famously securing support from Lori Greinier and Kevin O’Leary.

Today, Parting Stone is celebrating another milestone in the company’s journey: serving 10,000 families.

“At Parting Stone, we have the profound privilege of helping families find meaningful ways to remember their loved ones,” Crowe shared. “As we commemorate serving 10,000 families, we reflect on the stories of love, loss, and enduring connection that have been shared with us. Each family’s journey is unique, yet all are bound by the universal desire to keep their loved ones close.”

The ability to hold and cherish the solidified remains of a loved one has allowed these families to take their loved ones’ stones along on travels, to place them in meaningful locations abroad or keep them close to home, and share them with extended family and friends. Over the years, many of these families have shared their stories with Parting Stone, and we’re happy that we can share a few of them with you. 

“The stories that follow are just a handful of the many that make up our 10,000 families,” Crowe says. “They highlight the deep impact that Parting Stone has had on people’s lives—offering comfort, connection, and a new way to honor the ones we love.”

Kari, who chose Parting Stone for her husband, Jeff

“I have sent my husband’s stones out around the world with friends and family. He is currently in Egypt, Machu Picchu, Italy, France, Spain, Michigan, Hawaii, California, Croatia, where he will now remain forever. He was a traveler and loved adventure and we could think of no better way to honor him than to send him to incredible places. Jeff was born in Michigan and moved to Maui after attending college at Central Michigan to pursue a career working with children with emotional and learning difficulties. We met when I was 23 and he was 24 while I was on vacation with my family in Maui. Our love story lasted 26 years and includes having a daughter and a son now aged 25 and 23. 

When Jeff wasn’t pouring his time into education, he was writing novels and planning our families next great adventures. During our life together we took our children to New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, Palau, St. Thomas, Hawaii and had many road trips. He and I had plans to go to Europe and Croatia when he passed away suddenly in the early morning on 11/11/2021. Anyone will tell you that the numbers 11/11 are magical and Jeff certainly was full of magic.

When we lost Jeff we were approached by a neighbor who had been considering Parting Stone for his brother who had recently passed. It was ironic because Jeff would bring special rocks home for our yard whenever we went on vacation. He collected them as reminders of our travels. Parting Stone seemed like a perfect way to honor him and his adventurous spirit.

I received the rocks after a couple months’ wait. The communication and process was seamless and we were appreciative as we did not want him misplaced. When he arrived I ended up running into a friend that very day and he was leaving for Machu Picchu. The ironic thing was Jeff had been talking about going there our entire life together. It was at the top of his bucket list and he planned to hike it with our daughter someday. My friend was the first person to take Jeff anywhere and it was to one of the most incredible places in the world.  From there he was sent to his best friend and family in Michigan. My daughter took him to France as did my little sister. My neighbor took him to Egypt and left him near the pyramids. My friend took him and left him in a waterfall in Croatia. He is in multiple locations in Italy and the final place he has been placed most recently is on The Camino De Santiago Trail in Spain. I took him to Maui and left him in the waters of the beach where we met and he’s also in the ocean where we call home. I have many stones left and hopefully many more travels ahead including New Orleans which was our last trip together in 2021. He will be left somewhere special when I go in February. 

Knowing he rests under the stars in all of these places or in the beautiful waters of the ocean he loved makes me feel as though I have honored him to his core.”

Eden, Robin, and Tamara, who chose Parting Stone for their parents, Cele and Gene

“This is a love story that goes back 70 years, but it took a tragic turn 24 years into this beautiful, loving relationship between a boy and a girl. You see, this handsome, kind, 6ft 4”, wonderful husband and father lost his precious life to cancer at just 49.  He had three sweet daughters whom he adored very deeply, who would miss him their entire lives.   Most of all he had a loving, devoted wife, one who stood by him through thick and thin, sickness and health, who would love him until she lost her cherished life at 92.  This devoted wife and mom always talked about her Prince Charming and how much she missed him.  Her love and commitment to him never wavered for all those years without him even when Alzheimer’s took much of her memory away.  She always talked about being cremated just like her beloved husband so their ashes could be mixed together.  We three daughters of these wonderful and special parents never imagined that mixing the ashes of both of them could be done in such a beautiful and meaningful way as with Parting Stone. 

So, after 45 years of our Mom and Dad being separated, we were able to bring them back together in this special way.  Thank you to Parting Stone for giving us something solid to touch and hold on to as we remember both our Mom and Dad.  Because of this amazing process we have been able to bring our parents to all the places we wish we could have gone and seen as a family.  Hawaii, Alaska, Maine, Rhode Island, the beach, the rivers, the cliffs, we are so grateful that even though we no longer have our Mom and Dad with us, we as their three daughters can still create beautiful memories because of Parting Stone.”

Pam, who chose Parting Stone for her husband, John

“My husband John was diagnosed with late-stage liver cancer on 4/20/20 and passed on 7/26/20. His work experience was diverse, though his degree was in geology. In the few months after his diagnosis, he expressed to me that he wanted to be cremated, and for his ashes to be incorporated into a work of art by our niece and her husband, who are artists. They were honored to be chosen, but did not work in mediums that would easily incorporate ashes. As an alternate option I was shown the Parting Stone website, and immediately felt that this was the PERFECT way to honor my favorite geologist. What could be better than to turn him into beautiful stones!?!?! Our niece’s husband offered to create a shadow box to house the beautiful stones.

John was Canadian, and he loved the trillium plant that grows wild in Ontario in the spring. This plant’s white flower has three petals, and he often said that it resembled our little family of 3. The shadow box is built partly of Canadian maple, and beautifully displays John’s stones in the ‘petal’ portion, and stones from his personal collection are represented in the ‘leaves.’

Because John died during COVID, we were not able to hold a memorial for him at the time, so a year after his death in July 2021 we held a gathering to remember his life. John had gone to our daughter’s classroom a few times and talked about geology, and he would always have a dish of polished stones for each student to choose for their own. I offered the same to those who came to honor him. We held the gathering at the pavilion of our subdivision, located on a small lake. The tables featured things from his life, martial arts uniforms, hard hat, computer wirings, and lastly, the beautiful trilium holding John’s stones.”

Cindy, who chose Parting Stone for her husband, Steve

“Steve and I had made arrangements with the Neptune Society for cremation, but after his passing in 2020, I came across Parting Stone and felt that solidifying his remains would offer a more meaningful way to keep him close. Four months after his death, I placed an order.

Steve was the love of my life for 40 years—kind, thoughtful, and a man who could light up any room with his warmth and humor. He loved spending time outdoors, whether it was walking our dog or enjoying time by the water, and he had a sweet tooth, especially for chocolate cake, which became a special tradition for us over the years.

Losing Steve at just 65 made me question what the future would look like without him. The grief was overwhelming, and I often felt lost. But when his stones arrived, I found something I didn’t expect—hope. Holding them gave me a tangible connection to him, something that brought comfort during such an uncertain time. It felt like a way to keep a part of Steve with me, even as I tried to navigate life without him.

The stones became a powerful part of how I remember and share Steve’s presence. I shared stones with family and friends, and to this day, I carry one with me wherever I go. I also have stacks of stones throughout my home, which brings me a sense of peace, as if Steve is always here with me.

On the first anniversary of Steve’s death, we gathered with friends to mark the occasion. We placed one of the stones in a motorized boat and let it sail across a pond where we lived. Everyone watched as the stone took its journey in the boat before finally falling into the water, a meaningful and beautiful tribute to Steve’s memory. Afterward, we returned home and shared Steve’s favorite chocolate cake, a simple but heartfelt way to honor him and reflect on the man we all loved. The solidified remains offer something unique—unlike a grave or a memorial site, I don’t need to go somewhere specific to feel connected to him. The stones are here, woven into my everyday life, giving me the comfort of his presence without the need for a formal visit to talk to him.

Beyond my own experience, those I’ve shared the stones with have found solace in them as well. They’ve told me how having a piece of Steve has helped them in their grief, and some have even shared pictures and personal stories of their experiences with the stones.

This has been especially important for our only child, Erica, who was very close to her father. Without any siblings to share this loss, the stones have provided Erica with a way to hold onto that connection and cope with the weight of grief. Having something physical and tangible to remember her father has been deeply comforting for her.

This experience has profoundly shaped how I navigate my grief, giving me a way to feel close to Steve always”

Kaitlyn, who chose Parting Stone for her husband, Matt

“Matt actually wanted his cremains to be shot off in a firework. I remember the day he told me that when asked, without missing a beat. I think he thought they would all be in a firework but research later told me it was just a tiny bit. I was able to make that part happen for him, but then I wasn’t sure what to do with the rest of the cremains. Then I found Parting Stone and it all clicked into place for me. Matt loved rocks, and would find and collect them wherever we went as a souvenir. He was also a potter, so once I found out the process and how the stones were fired in a kiln it all just felt so right and so natural for him. He is with his family and some friends. And I now take him with me whenever I travel. He is in the creek at his family cabin, the woods from our first date, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Greece, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and even New Zealand in Hobbiton now. Some of his favorite places and others that he never got to go, but I can carry him with me. I’m forever thankful for the work that Parting Stone does.”