Deceased woman's family clarifies story

As members of the immediate family we must speak up. In light of the Aug. 11 article written about the rings that turned up missing from our deceased mother's hand, it is only fitting that we set the record straight.

First, as far as we are concerned the care, the understanding and the integrity of Owens Funeral Home are above question. They are the finest, most professional people we could ever hope to deal with under circumstances of a family death. Second, the public reference to a recently deceased family member – especially a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother – as dead body is surely not the level of journalism The News-Gazette wants to provide. Third, the rings were reported to the officer as missing – not stolen. The report was filed for notification in the event they found their way to a local pawn shop, at the shop's recommendation. Fourth, as of this writing, there is no suspicion of any misdeed in this matter.