Hi Ray. I would suggest making the cross out of aluminum and bolting a 3 x 8 bronze plaque (lettered and designed) with persons name, dates, epitaph and design Wooden crosses will eventually rot and disappear and sometimes an unmarked grave can be lost for all time. Best option is a granite flat marker, (minimum 3" thick and cemetery quality) lettered and designed. It’ll be there for all time. I am in the monument business so if you have further questions feel free to ask.