GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — It's been months in the making, but Donna Blandford-Durant finally has a grave that bears her name.
"Last Friday is when I noticed it was here," said her daughter Marcy Price. "I've been waiting 19 months."
Since her death in March of 2023, Price has been waiting for her mother's nameplate to be installed on the headstone that was paid for in full at Blythefield Memory Gardens in Belmont.
She noticed it was finally installed last week.
"I got excuse after excuse, it didn't happen, I contacted you guys and you guys are the one that made it happen, I'm sure of it," said Price.
Previously, Alexas Clemens, family services manager for the cemetery, said they encountered delays from their manufacturer, adding she was also given the wrong nameplate three different times.
We reached out to Clemens for comment on this resolution, but we have yet to hear back.
According to Price, she also hasn't heard from Clemens, adding she was never told that the plate was installed on the stone.
"I came out that day and it was there, and I still have not heard from them," said Price.
We've also heard of long wait times from other families who have loved ones buried at the privately-owned cemetery.
Tara Bowerman said she's waited over a year for her father-in-law's gravestone, while Susie Austin has waited for three years for her mother's death date to be added to her nameplate.
While some are still waiting for resolutions, Price said she's thankful she finally has closure.
"I hope for the other people it helps them out too," said Price. "It's a shame that anyone should have to go through this."