By Kimberly Gasuras

A headstone stolen from a baby’s grave recently was replaced by an anonymous donor.

Sarah Heckert was devastated when her daughter, Lily Marie Purdy, was stillborn July 14, 2016, but she was not prepared for the cruelty of having her baby’s headstone stolen from Oakwood Cemetery in Bucyrus in October.

“I was so happy when I was finally able to place a headstone on her grave on Aug. 4 of this past summer,” Heckert said.

While the original stone was brought back to the site by the thief, it was not in good shape and the investigation into the identity of the thief still is part of an ongoing investigation by the Bucyrus Police Department.

“I have the original stone in my possession and it was returned in a way looking like someone had it buried somewhere. I found it back at her gravesite covered in mud and dirt. I didn’t touch it and I called the police to inform them. They came out and looked at it and since it had rained they were unable to get prints off of it and they couldn’t get foot prints either. They said they couldn’t do anything with it. So, I took it home with me so it couldn’t be taken again,” Heckert said. “I called Longstreth the following day informing them that her stone was returned and asked if they could ask the person donating if they still wanted to donate or not. They decided they still wanted to because her replacement is a heavier stone and would be impossible for someone to walk off with.”

Heckert said she loves how the new stone turned out.

“I tried to have it be as close to the original as possible. I just want to give my thanks and gratitude to the person who paid to have this done for Lily. I don’t know who they are but I am thankful,” Heckert said.

Heckert has her suspicions on who might have stolen the stone, but does not have enough proof at this point.

“I want it to be known that whoever did this to me and my fiancé and our family, you are a very evil person for desecrating a baby’s grave,” Heckert said. “This person caused me pain and I may never seek justice but there are good people left in this world and whoever you are thank you for allowing my baby to rest.”

The new stone was set on baby Lily’s grave Feb. 28.