One of the toughest parts of Jonathan Modlich’s job these days is telling grieving families that he doesn’t know when he’ll have the headstones for their loved ones ready.

The pandemic-fueled upheaval in the global supply chain is roiling the nation’s monument industry at a time when demand for memorials is skyrocketing. Crucial materials, including granite, saws and rubber stencils, are in short supply. Workers can be tough to find and truck drivers even harder.

“We’re just as much as possible trying to be upfront with the families we serve,” said Modlich, owner of Columbus, Ohio-based Modlich Monuments, which was founded by his great-grandfather. “This could