A memorial basalt column installed in the Langley Woodmen Cemetery over 15 years ago is sinking, getting closer to joining the dearly departed every day.

To prevent that from happening, Friends of the Langley Woodmen Cemetery, a nonprofit organization, is in the process of raising funds to bring the weighty column back up, which is engraved with the names of those whose ashes have been scattered nearby.

Cary Peterson, president of the organization’s board, explained that the wide column has sunk nearly a foot since its installation. She surmised that the gravel spread at its base was not enough to keep it in place.

“I often think of ancient civilizations disappearing under things. Who knows how they sank?” she said. “We’re going to make sure that it stays on the surface for many, many years to come.”

It’s possible that over the years, rainwater collected in a divet at the top of the column may have dribbled down it and contributed to the sinking.

The plan is to build a solid rock slab for the sinking column to sit on securely. The estimated cost of the project, which includes lifting up the column from the ground, is $4,600. Donations can be made by mailing checks to the Friends of the Langley Woodmen Cemetery at PO Box 366, Langley, WA 98260 or by clicking the PayPal link to donate on the website langleywoodmencemetery.wordpress.com/. As of Tuesday morning, a $1,300 matching donation has been contributed.

The ash garden in the southeast corner of the cemetery is a peaceful place to bury the cremated remains of loved ones. Nearby pathways bordered by trees and ferns help create a serene atmosphere.

In conjunction with the scattered ashes, the names of the deceased are placed on a bronze plaque affixed to a granite slab or engraved on one of three basalt columns.

“The idea was that people could memorialize their loved ones on a stone and then people could spread their ashes,” Peterson said.

The cemetery’s ash garden was the brainchild of four friends, Lynn Hays, Peggy Kimbell, Shanti Loustaunou and Mully Mullally. The Langley women initially created the ash garden as a way to honor their departed friend. It is now the final resting place for people from all over the community.

Photo provided The sinking memorial stone is one of three basalt columns engraved with the names of the dearly departed in Langley Woodmen Cemetery. Photo provided