Riverside, AL - It was an emotional plea to the public on Tuesday. For the first time, since the disappearance of a St. Clair County woman, her family speaks out.

With tears in his eyes, Shaun Derusha, her son, says "I love her to death and I want to know that she's OK." Not knowing what happened is breaking the hearts of this growing family. According to Derusha, "She's got her first grandson on the way."

41-year old Kelley Henderson Howard disappeared from a Riverside parking lot last Tuesday. She vanished in broad daylight after leaving her job around noon. Now, that dental office is closed while investigators keep the case open.

Her father, Larry Henderson, explains, "We really need help right now." The family knows Howard - a Calhoun County native living in Pell city - recently was diagnosed with a blood disease that's affected her memory before.

Her husband Boys says, "She didn't know where she was. She didn't know what car she drove. She just didn't know anything." According to Henderson, "We just need all the prayers we can get right now." Melissa Mulkey manages a store about a hundred yards away from the parking lot where Howard disappeared. She says, "A lot of people are really scared"

She worries about foul play - which hasn't been ruled out. According to Mulkley, "Now I have two people in the store at all times"

People working in the area say it took several days for police to tell them that any thing was wrong. On Sunday a search party combed the area. Police have found leads - including a set of keys - but it's not enough. Henderson pleas, "If you find out anything or hear anything from anybody be sure and contact the Riverside Police Department."

That number is (205) 884-3333.

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