MURFREESBORO, TN — A Murfreesboro couple married for more than four decades is holding on to hope after three deeply sentimental anniversary rings were lost last weekend in the parking lot of a local Home Depot. Click PLAY above this article (below the image - above this story), to hear the full details.

The rings belong to a local woman who has been married for nearly half a century. Her husband, Myles Mingle, shared that he began a tradition years ago of surprising his wife with a special ring every decade of their marriage. Together, the three rings represent more than 40 years of memories.

The couple believes the rings were lost around 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, after stopping at the Home Depot in Murfreesboro to purchase a replacement sink for their home. According to Myles, his wife had removed the rings and placed them in her lap while applying lotion as they drove into town. When she exited the vehicle at the store, the rings likely fell to the pavement. Myles told WGNS that upon arriving at the store, they parked in a handicapped space near the front door.

Because Myles’ wife is hard of hearing and Myles was on the opposite side of the vehicle, neither realized the rings had fallen. It wasn’t until later that evening, around 7:30 p.m., as she was preparing for bed, that she noticed the rings were missing. Although the sun had already set, the couple immediately left their home in the country and headed straight to Home Depot to search the parking lot and check with store employees, but no rings had been turned in.

The search continued early the next morning as the couple combed the parking lot again at daylight. Still, nothing was found.

Looking back, the couple's story stretches back to their teenage years when both worked at the South Church Street Shoney’s in Murfreesboro — he as a cook and she as a waitress. They met at ages 17 and 18, married shortly thereafter, and have now been together for 42 years. They live on a century-old family farm and continue to mark their December anniversary and Christmas with a special gift each decade.

Myles said all three rings were originally purchased through Bell Jewelers, where he sought out unique, antique-style pieces that reflected his wife’s personality.

The couple is now offering a reward for the safe return of the rings. They have not used social media or posted flyers and are relying instead on word of mouth and community support.

Anyone who may have found the rings is encouraged to contact Myles at 615-849-2098.

In closing, WGNS talked to authorities on Tuesday and Murfreesboro Public Safety Information Director Larry Flowers confirmed that no rings have been turned in to the police department. The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office also reported that no property matching the description has been recovered.

Despite the loss, Miles says he is choosing to remain hopeful. Again, if you found any rings in the area of Home Depot, call 615-849-2098.