A state investigation means changes at two local cemeteries that have been the target of complaints. Mike Graham and Associates owns West Lawn Memorial Gardens here in Topeka and a cemetery in Lawrence Memorial Park. The company may be forced to give the sites up after a state investigation into bad business practices.
"My husband and I decided that we'd buy the plot here at West Lawn Memorial Gardens," said Bonnie Mitchell.

Bonnie and her husband bought a side-by-side plot and a headstone marker 27 years ago.
"He's right here (and there's no marker there?) no," pointed out Mitchell.

It's been almost a year since her husband died and there is still no marker.
"It's very devastating. You take all that time especially if you pay for it and then nothing ever happens no explanation or anything," said Mitchell.

Kay Olson buried her husband five years ago and just got his correct headstone installed Thursday but that didn't end her frustration.
"There was high fifteen inch grass you can't drive through the roads because of the ruts," said Olson.

In Lawrence similar problems led a court to grant the city to take over maintenance at Lawrence Memorial Park Wednesday all stemming from the state's investigation.
"It was determined just last week that they were not in compliance with the Kansas Cemeteries Act," said Whitney Watson from the Attorney General's Office.

Mike Graham and Associates didn't keep enough money to maintain operations at both cemeteries costing the company it's charter in Kansas but until the court rules in Shawnee County those like Bonnie Mitchell are left to keep fighting.

"I go as far as I can but if nothing else I'll put a board down and put my husband's name on it and that will be it," said Bonnie Mitchell.

13 News tried to contact Mike Graham and Associates Thursday but no one from the company returned our calls. No word on when the courts will make a final decision on who will own the cemeteries.