Sacramento Woman Finds Box Of Ashes Left On The Street
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – Ana Riddle's mission came to her after leaving the Arden Fair Mall when items on the side of the road captured her attention - especially the box.
"I saw the note. It was cremated remains and I thought 'No way,'" Riddle said.
The question remains how did it get there, whether it was lost stolen. But Riddle says it doesn't matter now, she just wants to get this box into the hands of loved ones.
"It's not just a box on the street. Now I've got a mission, I've got to find a loved one," Riddle said.
More personal items were found nearby.
"I also found a book of pictures. It's got all sorts of family events; seems like good times," Riddle said.
The name on the box of ashes is "Walter Frank Johnson, Jr." But questions remained for Ana: Is this Frank in one of the photos, his daughter, a dad or grandfather?
CBS13 called the Healey Mortuary listed on the box, located in Salinas. The owner said he's had a few boxes returned over the years after getting lost or stolen. He says the mortuary can try to track down family members, but it's not always successful.
"I just hate the fact that these may have been thrown away by mistake and the family may be looking for them," Riddle said.
Moved by her find, Ana says no matter what she will make sure Walter's remains are honored properly.
"I even thought if nobody claims these ashes I'll go somewhere nice and peaceful the river or the mountains and say a prayer for him," Riddle said.
We located Frank's mother Sunday night who says she's not sure how his ashes ended up in Sacramento. She confirmed he was cremated in Salinas and she did mention a daughter that she had no contact with who lives here. She said she is eager to get Frank's ashes with back.
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