I just won't die then!

The grave digger had to use a system that was not too popular with some folks. By checking daily with the local physician as to the status of his critical patients he would have the grave ready in advance. 

From Dr. Horne’s memories comes the rare case of a Mrs. Philip Conn. She was on the critical list and from her bedroom window she had a clear view of the graveyard between the Sister’s House and the Parsonage. There was Joe Sturgis digging her grave. So infuriated was she that for spite she decided she would not die. And sure enough she lived for two more years.