About Utah Headstone Design
Over three decades, Utah Headstone Design has honored the lives of those we've lost — with granite, with care, and with the personal attention of a family-owned business.
Our Story
Utah Headstone Design has been helping families honor their loved ones since 1997, when the company first opened its doors with a simple mission: create meaningful, lasting memorials with craftsmanship and care. In 2003, Donny stepped in to run the business, eventually growing it into the trusted, family-operated company it is today. Donny and his wife Ilesha now proudly own and operate the Layton location, continuing the tradition of quality and compassion the company was built on.
In 2016, Ilesha's brother Ned Murphy expanded the vision by opening the Murray store, allowing Utah Headstone Design to serve even more families across the Wasatch Front.
Over the years, our team has grown significantly. What began as a small, hands-on operation has evolved into a modern engraving studio — transitioning from hand-sandblasting to a computer-automated sandblasting system that delivers precision, consistency, and beautiful detail.
Today, both locations are home to a talented group of people who truly care about their work. Our team includes:
- Designers who craft unique, personalized headstones
- Engravers who bring each design to life with accuracy and artistry
- Installers who ensure every memorial is placed with respect
- Support staff who help families through every step of the process
Every headstone we create is custom-designed, thoughtfully crafted, and treated with the same care we would give our own family. Whether you visit our Layton or Murray location, you'll find a team dedicated to honoring lives, preserving memories, and helping families feel supported during an important moment.
Our Process
From First Sketch to Final Tribute
Creating a lasting memorial is a careful, hands-on journey. Here's how we guide every family through it, step by step.
Choose Your Granite
Every memorial begins with the stone itself. In our showroom you'll explore a wide selection of granite shapes and colors — from classic gray and black to rich rose and mahogany — and we'll help you find the size, profile, and finish that feels right for your loved one.
Design & Personalize
Next, you'll choose a design and make it your own. Working side by side with our in-house designers, you can add names, dates, lettering styles, artwork, portraits, and the meaningful details that tell your family's story.
Layout & Engraving
Once the design is approved, our experts transfer it to the stone with precision. Using professional stencils and engraving equipment, we hand-detail every line and image so the finished lettering is crisp, deep, and built to last.
Cleanup & Preparation
After engraving, each monument is carefully cleaned, inspected, and prepared for installation. We check every detail against your approved design and make sure the stone is flawless before it ever leaves our shop.
Expert Installation
Finally, our team handles a careful, professional installation at the cemetery. We set each monument level and secure, treating the site with the respect it deserves so your family's memorial is ready to stand for generations.
From the first sketch to the final installation, we use only the finest granite, materials, and equipment — because your family deserves the very best possible memorial.
Our Values
The principles that guide Utah Headstone Design every day.
Compassion
We meet every family with patience and care during a difficult time, never rushing a decision that matters this much.
Craftsmanship
Each monument is built from premium granite to honor a life and to stand for generations in Utah's weather.
Personal Attention
As a family-owned business, you work directly with people who listen to your ideas and bring them to life.
Founded 1997 in Salt Lake City · Thousands of families served · 100% satisfaction guarantee
Honor Their Story, Your Way
Creating a memorial shouldn't add stress. Design a tribute that truly reflects their spirit — from anywhere, with anyone who loved them.
No account required · Free to use · Bring your design to our showroom