Bear bonanza

Hampton woman memorializes loved ones with homemade teddy bears
 
      A hobby that began as a way to remember departed family members has transformed into a growing business opportunity for Hampton resident Robbi Stevens.
     Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Homes recently expanded their memorial offerings with a new product line featuring Stevens’ handcrafted teddy bears. The service, called “Bears All Things,” allows customers to order specially-made bears built with clothing items from deceased loved ones. The keepsakes help commemorate an individual’s life or celebrate an important memory.
     “It’s something to hold on to, literally. You can wrap your arms around it and feel closer to that person,” said Stevens. “It makes it more happy looking back, not sad.”
    Read the full article in the April 8 edition of the Hampton Chronicle.