WASHINGTON, IOWA -- Investigators say they believe a Southeast Iowa businesswoman who mysteriously vanished the first week of January left on her own to get away from family and work stress.

Investigators revealed Friday that Sharon Hopf of Crawfordsville deleted e-mails sent from her computer at the home furnishings company she owned with her husband on Jan. 4. The next day, she failed to show up to work and was reported missing. Her car was found on Sunday two days later at an abandoned home outside Wright City, Mo., 30 miles west of St. Louis.

Searches for her in Iowa and Missouri using dogs, volunteers and planes haven't located her. Washington County Sheriff Jerry Dunbar said interviews with family members and co-workers show Hopf was under stress, and"this information suggests the disappearance was one of her own."

In a statement, her husband, Perry Hopf, stated that he and the family understand the stress that Sharon has recently been under. He pleaded that she contact them and let them know that she is ok. Hopf said he wants Sharon to know that he loves her and that she is the most important thing in his life.

To read our previous story, click here.