Local Crossword

[claret&blue]

Word of praise (7) ???A?N?
Grave words for those who are late (7) ?P?E?S? Possible 2nd letter (P) may be incorrect.
Thanks in advance

[octogenarian]

1 Hosanna------------2 Decease

[claret&blue]

Thanks octogenarian. However if it's decease it alters one of my other answers. Ready to drop I had as RIPE.If decease is correct then the pattern would be R?E?

[antonove]

Could grave words be EPITAPH?

[claret&blue]

Hi antonove, unfortunately not . The 4th and 6th letters are definitely E & S respectively.

[quinie]

could "ready to drop" perhaps be reel?

[claret&blue]

Hi quinie, Seems reasonable.

[claret&blue]

I know it's late antonove but epitaph was the correct answer