Tombstone Tuesday--Stones That Aren't

Aren't really stones that is.
We have many monuments and "tombstones" in the Newaygo county cemeteries that are not really stones.  Many have been made by those left behind in remembrance of one who died.  And there is great variety in those so called stones.

 These examples are from various cemeteries in Newaygo county.  The one above is a fairly recent one, made from a buzz saw blade and painted, then mounted in a metal frame.  While not stone, it very lovely memorial.

This one was know as the Shell grave stone in Newaygo cemetery.  Constructed of cement, it was once studded with the shells from the deceased's collection of sea shells.  Sadly now most of them of fallen or been picked off, but still a great monument.

 The marker for Henry L is clearly a hand-made one.  Just a simple block of cement with his name and initial carved into it.  And clearly made to last, even if a bit skimpy on the information.

 Another "non-stone" stone is this hand made wooden cross.  Adorned with a wreath and what appears to a real book, this wood cross, if made of treated wood, could last for years, even if the extras fade away.

 Mary A Maus, 1935-1935 is one of the many cement stones in Curtice cemetery.  One of my great grandfathers also has one of these, made of cement and painted silver.  There are many in this cemetery of the same shape, and others more ornate, that are made of cement.  I still think that someone had a business making them, as marl and sand were so plentiful around that area.

Then of course is the neighborhood stone for Henry Wilde.  In a small family cemetery, with similar sized and shaped markers, in the middle of a hay field, the Sitka-Wilde cemetery is just down the road from my home.  The stones are all handmade, in small grove of  young trees.  As the farm owner respects this small private cemetery, carefully farming around it, this group of  non-stone stones should be around for a long time.
It is interesting to see that so many people took the time to be sure the graves of their loved ones were marked, some with elaborate stones like the painted saw blade and the shell monument, and others with simple cement markers, carved with the name of the loved one. 
May they all rest in peace beneath their stones that aren't stone.