PORT RICHEY, Fla. — A thrift store shopper found something she didn’t expect — a container of ashes.

Now, Anes Jones is trying to find whoever the remains belonged to.

In an interview, Jones says she found them at St. Vincent’s Thrift Store in Port Richey.

“I like to go there because I find interesting items that call to me. And I was able to find this box,” Jones said.

The small box cost just fifty cents. It was sealed shut.

When Jones got home and opened it, she found ashes inside.

“We were shocked!” Jones said. “My daughter freaked out. Started to cry. We were all in shock. Just couldn’t believe what we found.”

Now she wants to find the family they belong to.

There’s just one clue so far. The bottom has the name Joseph Lang scratched out.

“It’s just mixed emotions. It’s a beautiful box. Someone took the time to pick this box to put their special someone in. Or it could even be their pet. We don’t know what it is. It’s a special box that needs to go home,” Jones said.

The manager at St. Vincent said they don’t keep inventory on everything that is brought into the store, so she’s not sure who brought the box in.

She also said it’s the third time someone has found ashes in an item there in recent years!

Jones has called local funeral homes and has even looked up families with the last name Lang. So far, she’s had no luck but she plans to keep trying.

“I hope we’re able to find to find their family. I put myself in their place. I wouldn’t want to be lost. I would want to be home.”

Jones asks that you share this story on social media and if you have a lead, you can email Spectrum Bay News 9 reporter Tim Wronka at tim.wronka@charter.com.