37 Creative Memorial Ideas for Your Loved One

October 24, 2022

Creating a tribute for your loved one in Ukiah is a wonderful way to help heal as well as honor their memory. Here are 37 creative ideas to help inspire you. 

cremation services in Ukiah, CA

After your loved one’s cremation services in Ukiah, CA. creating a memorial tribute is a wonderful way to honor and remember them. And the is no shortage of ways to do this. From big, grand gestures such as starting a non-profit in your loved one’s name to something as simple as planting a tree, there is no right or wrong way to create a tribute. What you ultimately decide to do simply depends on what you, your family, and your loved one would have wanted. 


To help inspire you and provide some ideas, here are 37 of our favorite memorial ideas. 


Memorial Ideas for Your Loved One 


  1. Commission a portrait 
  2. Plant a tree in your yard or a public park (make sure to get permission first) 
  3. Create a memorial garden in your home or public space (with permission) 
  4. Make a memorial scrapbook 
  5. Start a new family tradition 
  6. Have a star named after them 
  7. Plan a 5k walk/run for a charity they supported 
  8. Paint or draw a picture in their honor 
  9. Have their ashes turned into a diamond 
  10. Donate a bench to a park in their name 
  11. Make a memory quilt with their old clothing 
  12. Have a dinner party and serve their favorite meal 
  13. Wear a piece of cremation jewelry that holds a portion of their remains 
  14. Write them a song 
  15. Have their ashes turned into a vinyl record 
  16. Have a coral reef created in their name 
  17. Upcycle on of their old items (ex: their old bicycle could be turned into a planter garden feature) 
  18. Create a memorial wall in your home 
  19. Write out their biography 
  20. Create a playlist of all their favorite songs 
  21. Set a place setting for them at family dinners 
  22. Create a stuffed animal out of their old clothing 
  23. Create a memorial website 
  24. Engrave their favorite recipe into a nice cutting board 
  25. Have their life made into a comic book 
  26. Complete an unfinished project they left behind 
  27. Start a book club and read their favorite books 
  28. Make a memory jar 
  29. Write them a poem 
  30. Create a memorial plaque to place in your garden with their name and a meaningful quote 
  31. Plan a family trip to their favorite vacation spot 
  32. Create a recipe book of all their favorite dishes 
  33. Create a pillow from their old clothing 
  34. Get a cremation tattoo which uses a portion of the remains in the tattoo ink 
  35. Create a video tribute 
  36. Organize a lantern release party 
  37. Have a movie night and watch all of their favorite films 


We hope these ideas have helped inspire you to create a tribute for your loved one after their cremation services in Ukiah, CA. And the good news is you don’t have to do just one. If you have many that you are drawn to, feel free to do as many as you like. There is no right or wrong way to create a tribute for your loved one. 

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End-of-life discussions often carry a quiet weight, one we tend to avoid until circumstances force our hand. At Eversole Mortuary, we believe that speaking openly and lovingly about end-of-life choices is one of the most compassionate gifts we can offer our families. As one of the trusted funeral homes Willits, CA families turn to, we’ve seen how having these conversations early can bring clarity and peace of mind during emotionally challenging times. Reframing the Conversation with Care Talking about death doesn’t have to feel morbid or uncomfortable. Instead, it can be an opportunity for connection, healing, and planning. At our core, we aim to support families through life’s most delicate transitions, and part of that support includes encouraging meaningful dialogue about what matters most legacy, love, and honoring personal wishes. We’ve found that families often feel a sense of relief when plans are communicated clearly and concisely. It’s not about removing emotion from the process it’s about ensuring those emotions are guided by confidence, not confusion. When families know their loved one’s preferences, they’re empowered to carry out a memorial that reflects that person’s life with dignity and grace. Why It Matters to Start the Conversation Now Having these conversations ahead of time prevents unnecessary emotional strain later on. Planning doesn’t mean rushing decisions it means preserving your voice in moments when others may not know what to do or say. Based on our experience serving families for over a century, we’ve learned that those who have pre-planned or communicated their wishes tend to receive smoother, more meaningful services. We gently encourage families to treat these talks as an act of love, something done not just for oneself, but for those left behind. Imagine the comfort your family might feel knowing exactly how you wanted to be remembered. It’s a gift of certainty and peace. Creating a Supportive Environment for the Discussion Opening the conversation may feel like the most challenging part. Here are a few ways we’ve seen families approach the topic with care and thoughtfulness: Choose a calm, quiet moment – Find a time without distractions, where everyone can speak openly. Use a personal story or memory as a segue – Reflecting on a friend’s passing or a family tradition can help ease into the topic. Express your intentions – Make it clear that the conversation is about love, not urgency. Include all voices – Encourage open dialogue, especially from family members who may feel nervous or unsure. These conversations don’t have to cover everything at once. What matters is starting somewhere and letting the dialogue grow naturally. Honoring Individuality Through Personalized Tributes No two lives are the same and neither should be any two farewells. One of the ways we help families is by creating services that are truly reflective of the individual. Whether it’s a traditional gathering, a celebration of life, or something more intimate and unique , we believe every detail should echo the person’s character, values, and story. Personal touches, like favorite songs, themed decor, or memory-sharing rituals can make all the difference. It transforms the experience from routine to remarkable, from generic to deeply personal. Making Planning Accessible and Comfortable We understand that planning can feel overwhelming, which is why we offer a calm, approachable environment where families feel heard and supported. We’re here with open hearts, ready to truly listen. offer gentle guidance, and help carefully record your wishes. There’s no pressure or commitment in having the conversation with us. Sometimes, it starts with a simple question. Sometimes, it begins with a tour of our facilities. We walk alongside each family, at their pace, providing reassurance and understanding throughout the entire journey. The Healing Power of Preparation End-of-life decisions are deeply personal. When approached with care and intention, they become part of a greater legacy, one rooted in love, respect, and peace. Families who embrace this process often find healing in the act of preparation itself. It becomes a reflection of values, relationships, and the desire to leave behind more than memories, an enduring message of care. If you’ve ever wondered about taking that first step, we’re here to help. As one of the funeral homes Willits, CA families rely on, we’ve made it our life’s work to support others through theirs. Contact Eversole Mortuary to start a conversation about your wishes and how we can help bring them to life, working together.
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