Reverent Services

Perfect for early Spring or late Fall. This service includes trimming the grass around the monument or marker, pulling any weeds, raking the plot and removing debris.

Brush-up Service

Headstone Cleaning

Our specialists gently clean headstones, removing dirt and lichen while preserving their integrity and beauty.

Veteran Headstones

At the request of a family member, Lasting Reverence offers a FREE one-time Veteran headstone cleaning service to honor those who have selflessly served our country.

Lasting Reverence maintains gravesites during all four seasons; however, we do not perform the deep cleaning of markers during cold weather. The beginning and end of our full-service, deep-cleaning season is dependent upon the weather. We wait until after the last frost of spring to start our deep cleaning of markers. We end our deep cleaning season after the first frost of fall. We do this to avoid unnecessarily introducing liquids (cleaning solutions & water) on and into the stone - this protects the stone from weather-related damage. If a liquid freezes within the surface of the stone, damage to the stone can occur - please read about freeze-thaw weathering below.

Natural stone is porous and often has micro fissures (cracks) within the stone. Monuments and grave markers, made from marble, granite, limestone, slate, and sandstone, are no exception. Over time, tiny amounts of water infiltrate the stone. This presents a problem to monuments placed in northern states like Missouri, where the temperature dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for several months. Freeze-thaw weathering (also known as frost-weathering) is a result of the expansion of water which has infiltrated the stone. When the water freezes into ice, it expands within the pores and micro-fissures. After a period of years, the freeze-thaw cycles enlarge the micro fissures, widening the cracks and permitting more moisture from rain or melting snow to enter into the stone. Eventually, the cracks will cause fracturing of the stone. By performing our deep cleaning only during times of warmer weather (day and night temperatures consistently over 40 degrees) Lasting Reverence avoids causing further freeze-thaw damage to monuments. By withholding our deep cleaning until optimal weather, we protect your loved one's monuments and grave markers from freeze-thaw weathering.

During times of colder weather, when our deep cleaning service is not available, the $30 Brush-up Service would be appropriate. The Brush-up service includes, among other things, carefully detailing the marker/monument with soft brushes to remove dust, debris and early biological growth like mold and lichen.

It must be noted that there are other threats that can negatively affect the beauty and well-being of grave markers and monuments. Please continue on to the next section.

Freeze-thaw Weathering

Multiple Other Threats

Acid rain can be a problem for grave markers; in particular, those made of limestone and marble. Chemicals often found in rain can initiate weathering through chemical reactions with the calcium carbonate contained in the limestone and marble. Acid rain damages the surfaces of stones, causing once-smooth surfaces to become pitted. Pitting allows dirt and other surface pollution to adhere to the stone. These contaminants can cause more damage and discoloration to the stone. The surface erosion brought about by acid rain also erodes the lettering and artistic work of the stone, making those features harder to see. Marble, having a more dense makeup than limestone, resists damage from acid rain slightly better. Acid rain weathering of monuments can be mitigated with regular deep cleaning.

Bird droppings, moss, lichens, other plants, and mold are unsightly and will cause further damage and/or staining to monuments and grave markers. Plant roots can grow between the stone and its base, or even in existing cracks in the stone. Root growth can eventually lift the stone from its base or even fracture the stone. Roots and lichens also release acid-like chemicals which can affect the stone’s integrity and appearance.

Lastly, improper cleaning methods can cause erosion and damage to markers and monuments. The use of wire brushes, power tools and power washers is, unfortunately, all too common and can be extremely damaging to grave markers and monuments. Additionally, the use of harsh and caustic cleaners like bleach, ammonia, and common household surface sprays can, over time, cause irreversible damage to the stone. Sometimes, the initial appearance of a stone cleaned with such practices can be impressive, but, if one looks carefully, they will see surface damage and likely notice eventual discoloration or degradation of the stone.

Do No Harm

Lasting Reverence does not use cleaning solutions or tools which cause damage to monuments. We never use power tools, pressure washers, or metal hand tools in carrying out our cleaning of monuments and markers. Lasting Reverence’s techniques of cleaning and maintaining gravesites are time-tested and do absolutely no harm to the sites or monuments. Our goal is to properly clean, maintain, and preserve monuments and gravesites. We do this by taking a little extra time and effort on each job that we do because the long-term results for our customers, and the memories of their loved ones, are worth it.

Our comprehensive range of services at Lasting Reverence Grave Care Services, LLC is designed to honor the memories of your loved ones and ensure that their cherished sites are always a place of beauty and serenity. Our meticulous cleaning and repairing services breathe new life into weathered memorials, while our expert seasonal maintenance, including weeding, trimming, and thoughtfully arranged flowers, creates a peaceful atmosphere that speaks volumes to our dedication. Additionally, we offer a service that goes beyond the routine, allowing you to commemorate special occasions such as birthdays, Christmas, and anniversaries with grace and reverence. At Lasting Reverence, we take pride in offering these services with a genuine understanding of their importance and a commitment to upholding the legacy of those who hold a special place in your heart.