Woman’s Ashes Back After Accidental Sale

ELMIRA, N.Y., Aug. 7, 2007

(AP) A large ceramic turtle containing a woman’s ashes has been recovered after it was accidentally sold for 50 cents at a rummage sale.

When Anita Lewis of Elmira sold the turtle Saturday to a woman with plans to use it as a cookie jar, she didn’t know it held the ashes of her husband’s late wife.

Terrence Lewis’ previous wife had collected turtles and the couple’s home was full of them, Anita Lewis said.

She realized her mistake and began a frantic search that led to the Salvation Army Thrift Shop in Horseheads after an anonymous caller’s tip to the Star-Gazette of Elmira.

Elmira, Elmira
Her body was on fire, Elmira

Giddy Up Oom Poppa Omm Poppa Mow Mow
Giddy Up Oom Poppa Omm Poppa Mow Mow
Heigh-ho turtle, away