Lost class ring returned to woman, 97

MEMPHIS, June 1 (UPI) -- A Memphis woman who found a 1929 high school class ring while raking leaves in a lot said she traced the item back to its 97-year-old owner.

Misty White said she found the Central High School ring, which bore the initials "AMM," while raking a lot as part of a "Save Libertyland" event for cleaning defunct amusement park Libertyland, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reported Monday.

"Something made me keep raking leaves," White said. "It was under two years of leaves, and the ring just popped out."

White said she found the school's 1929 yearbook at a library and identified the ring's owner as Anna Maude Mahaffey. After some research, White said she was able to find Mahaffey, who after her marriage to Richard White 70 years ago began using Mahaffey White as her professional name.

The ring's owner said the item was apparently stolen during a break-in a couple of years ago.

"It gave me great pleasure to get it back," Mahaffey White said. "It has a sentimental value."

The 97-year-old said she hoped her old high school will put the ring on display.

"I'd like to think it has a nice home," she said.