Finding obituaries for loved ones can be a difficult but necessary process. The Record-Herald, a local newspaper serving Washington Court House, Ohio, is a primary source for these notices. This guide will help you navigate the process effectively and efficiently.
Where to Find Record-Herald Obituaries Online?
Unfortunately, the Record-Herald doesn't maintain a readily searchable, centralized online archive of past obituaries. Many smaller newspapers do not have the resources to digitize their entire back catalogs. This means accessing older obituaries can be challenging.
Current Obituaries:
The most reliable way to find recent obituaries is to check the Record-Herald's current online edition. While they may not have a dedicated obituary section, you can often find them within the news articles or by searching their website using keywords like "obituaries," "death notice," or the deceased person's name.
Alternative Online Resources:
Several websites aggregate obituaries from various sources, including smaller newspapers. You can try searching these sites using the deceased's name, location (Washington Court House, Ohio), and potential dates:
- Legacy.com: A popular website that indexes obituaries from across the country.
- Findagrave.com: While primarily focused on cemetery records, Findagrave.com often includes links to associated obituaries.
What Information Do I Need to Search Effectively?
To successfully find an obituary, having as much information as possible is crucial. This includes:
- Full Name of the Deceased: Including middle initials significantly improves your chances of finding the correct record.
- Approximate Date of Death: Even a range of dates can narrow your search.
- Age at Death (if known): This is often included in obituaries.
- Relationship to other family members (if known): This can help differentiate between individuals with the same name.
What if I Can't Find the Obituary Online?
If your search proves fruitless online, there are still options:
- Contact the Record-Herald Directly: Call their offices and inquire about accessing their archives. They may be able to assist you in locating the obituary.
- Visit the Washington Court House Public Library: Local libraries often have extensive archives of local newspapers, including the Record-Herald.
- Check with Funeral Homes in Washington Court House: Funeral homes typically keep records of services they've conducted and may have a copy of the obituary.
How Often are Obituaries Published in the Record-Herald?
The frequency of obituary publications varies. It's best to check the current online edition of the Record-Herald to get an understanding of their current publishing schedule.
Are there any fees associated with accessing Record-Herald obituaries?
Accessing obituaries online through aggregation sites might involve subscription fees, but the Record-Herald's website itself likely does not charge a fee to view current news, though access to archives may be restricted.
Can I submit an obituary to the Record-Herald?
To submit an obituary to the Record-Herald, it is best to contact them directly via phone or email to find out their submission guidelines and any associated fees. Their contact information can typically be found on their website.
Remember to be patient and persistent in your search. Finding old obituaries can be time-consuming, but with careful searching and utilizing multiple resources, you're more likely to be successful.
