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ORDERVILLE, Kane County — The burden of burying a child is only made heavier by the financial weight placed upon a grieving family, and a Southern Utah couple is working to lighten that load.
Merlin and Stacy Figgins of Figs Custom Woodworking have been making caskets for 22 years. About eight years ago they decided they wanted to help others by donating personalized caskets to families grieving for their deceased children.
"...it's so expensive to bury people, and I just am amazed how people afford to bury their babies," Stacy Figgins said. "I mean, you plan on burying your grandparents or your parents at some point in your life, but your kids, who plans on that?"
Children's caskets can cost at least $1,000, and the Figgins usually donate about 30 caskets a year, she said, adding that they try to donate to children ages 12 years and under, though it doesn't always work out that way.
The Figgins have donated caskets to families in Utah and outside of Utah, including some in California and Idaho. It typically takes about a day and a half to make the caskets and they will either drive them out to where they are needed or they will ask their delivery driver to take them.
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A 5-year-old St. George girl who drew worldwide attention when she suffered severe complications from undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes died early Saturday morning.Recently, they donated a casket to Kycie Terry, a 5-year-old whose story inspired thousands of people on her Facebook page, Kisses for Kycie.Figgins said they'd heard about Kycie on the news and were able to make a casket with the Kisses for Kycie logo on it.
Typically, people hear about the Figgins' service through word of mouth. Figgins said they are a well-known business and even some mortuaries will call and ask if they can donate caskets to families.
Each casket can be personalized, including the lining and color, wood type and pictures.
Stacy Figgins' twin sister, Tracy Roundy, does either paintings or wood-burning pictures by hand that are displayed on the head panel of the casket and on the outside end caps. Figgins said the picture can be taken out for the family to keep or it can be left inside.
You know, I think the world would be a better place if everybody just helped somebody a little bit, even if they only did it one time.
–Stacy Figgins
Through it all, Figgins said they have made some amazing friends, several who have come by their house and participated in cookouts with them.
Figgins said she feels as if she has a lot of little angels looking out for her.
"You know, I think the world would be a better place if everybody just helped somebody a little bit, even if they only did it one time," Figgins said.
To get in contact with the Figgins, visit their website or call 435-648-2715.
