Searching for obituaries in Ohio can be a daunting task, especially if you don't know where to start. With the vast amount of information available online, it can be difficult to sift through it all and find the information you're looking for. That's why we've put together this simple guide to help you find obituaries in Ohio by last name.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when searching for obituaries is that there is no one central repository for this information. Obituaries are typically published in local newspapers, so the best place to start your search is by checking the websites of the newspapers in the area where the person you're looking for lived.
Now that you have a basic understanding of how to search for obituaries in Ohio by last name, you can start your search! With a little effort, you should be able to find the information you're looking for.
ohio obituaries by last name
Locate final tributes, death notices.
- Search local newspapers online.
- Utilize funeral home websites.
- Check obituary aggregator sites.
- Scour social media platforms.
- Contact local government offices.
- Review church bulletins and newsletters.
- Consult historical societies and libraries.
- Inquire with local funeral directors.
- Leverage genealogy resources.
Uncover life stories, honor departed loved ones.
Search local newspapers online.
Local newspapers are a great place to start your search for obituaries in Ohio. Many newspapers have online archives that can be searched by name, date, or keyword. To search a local newspaper's online archive, simply visit the newspaper's website and look for a link to the archives. Once you're in the archives, you can enter the person's name or other relevant information to search for obituaries.
- Search by name: This is the most straightforward way to search for an obituary. Simply enter the person's first and last name in the search bar.
- Search by date: If you know the approximate date of the person's death, you can search for obituaries by date. This can be helpful if you're looking for an obituary from a specific time period.
- Search by keyword: If you don't know the person's name or the date of their death, you can search for obituaries by keyword. For example, you could search for obituaries that mention a particular town or occupation.
- Use advanced search options: Many newspaper archives offer advanced search options that allow you to narrow your search results. For example, you might be able to search for obituaries that include a photo or that are written in a specific language.
Once you've found an obituary that you're interested in, you can usually click on it to read the full text. Some newspapers may require you to create a free account before you can access their archives. However, most newspapers allow you to search their archives without creating an account.
Utilize funeral home websites.
Funeral homes often publish obituaries on their websites. This is a great place to look for obituaries, especially if you're looking for a recent obituary. To find funeral homes in Ohio, you can use a search engine or an online directory. Once you've found a few funeral homes in the area where the person you're looking for lived, visit their websites and check their obituary sections.
- Search by name: Many funeral home websites allow you to search for obituaries by name. Simply enter the person's first and last name in the search bar.
- Browse obituaries by date: Funeral home websites typically have a section where you can browse obituaries by date. This can be helpful if you're looking for an obituary from a specific time period.
- Filter obituaries by location: Some funeral home websites allow you to filter obituaries by location. This can be helpful if you're looking for an obituary from a specific town or city.
- Read the obituary online: Once you've found an obituary that you're interested in, you can usually read the full text online. Some funeral homes may require you to create a free account before you can access their obituaries. However, most funeral homes allow you to read obituaries without creating an account.
Funeral home websites are a valuable resource for finding obituaries in Ohio. By searching funeral home websites, you can easily find obituaries for people who have died recently.
Check obituary aggregator sites.
Obituary aggregator sites are websites that collect obituaries from a variety of sources, including newspapers, funeral homes, and online memorial websites. This can be a great way to search for obituaries from all over Ohio in one place. Some popular obituary aggregator sites include:
- Legacy.com: Legacy.com is one of the largest obituary aggregator sites in the world. It has a database of over 200 million obituaries from newspapers, funeral homes, and online memorial websites.
- Findagrave.com: Findagrave.com is a website that allows users to create and share memorials for deceased loved ones. It also has a database of over 100 million obituaries from newspapers, funeral homes, and online memorial websites.
- Obituaries.com: Obituaries.com is a website that aggregates obituaries from newspapers and funeral homes all over the United States. It has a database of over 50 million obituaries.
- GenealogyBank.com: GenealogyBank.com is a website that provides access to a variety of genealogical records, including obituaries. It has a database of over 30 million obituaries from newspapers and funeral homes all over the United States.
To search for an obituary on an obituary aggregator site, simply enter the person's name or other relevant information into the search bar. You can also search by location or date. Once you've found an obituary that you're interested in, you can usually click on it to read the full text. Some obituary aggregator sites may require you to create a free account before you can access their obituaries. However, most obituary aggregator sites allow you to search their obituaries without creating an account.
Scour social media platforms.
Social media platforms can be a valuable resource for finding obituaries in Ohio. Many people post obituaries of loved ones on social media, especially on Facebook and Twitter. To search for obituaries on social media, simply enter the person's name or other relevant information into the search bar. You can also search by location or date. Once you've found an obituary that you're interested in, you can usually click on it to read the full text.
Here are some tips for searching for obituaries on social media:
- Use the search bar: The search bar is the easiest way to find obituaries on social media. Simply enter the person's name or other relevant information into the search bar and press enter.
- Use keywords: When searching for obituaries on social media, it's helpful to use keywords. Some common keywords include "obituary," "funeral," "death notice," and "memorial service." You can also use the person's name, location, or occupation as keywords.
- Join relevant groups: There are many social media groups dedicated to obituaries and genealogy. Joining these groups can be a great way to find obituaries for people who have died in Ohio.
- Follow funeral homes and cemeteries: Many funeral homes and cemeteries have social media pages. Following these pages can be a great way to stay up-to-date on recent obituaries.
Social media can be a valuable resource for finding obituaries in Ohio. By following these tips, you can easily find obituaries for people who have died in Ohio.
It's important to note that not all obituaries are posted on social media. Some families may choose to keep obituaries private or may not have a social media presence. If you're unable to find an obituary on social media, you may want to try searching other sources, such as local newspapers, funeral home websites, or obituary aggregator sites.
Contact local government offices.
In some cases, you may be able to obtain an obituary from a local government office. This is especially true for older obituaries or obituaries for people who died without any surviving family members. To contact a local government office, you can either visit the office in person or call the office by phone. You can usually find the contact information for local government offices online or in the phone book.
- Visit the office of the county recorder: The county recorder's office is responsible for recording and maintaining vital records, including death certificates. In some cases, the county recorder's office may also have a collection of obituaries.
- Visit the office of the probate court: The probate court is responsible for handling the estates of deceased persons. In some cases, the probate court may have a collection of obituaries for people who died without any surviving family members.
- Contact the local registrar of vital statistics: The local registrar of vital statistics is responsible for registering births, deaths, and marriages. In some cases, the local registrar of vital statistics may also have a collection of obituaries.
- Contact the local health department: The local health department may also have a collection of obituaries, especially for people who died from certain diseases.
When you contact a local government office, be sure to have the following information ready:
- The person's full name
- The date of death
- The location of death
- Any other relevant information, such as the person's occupation or military service
Once you have provided the necessary information, the staff at the local government office will be able to search their records for an obituary.
Review church bulletins and newsletters.
Church bulletins and newsletters can be a valuable resource for finding obituaries in Ohio. Many churches publish obituaries of their members in their bulletins and newsletters. To find church bulletins and newsletters, you can either visit the church in person or check the church's website. You can usually find the contact information for churches online or in the phone book.
- Visit the church in person: If you are able to visit the church in person, you can usually find copies of the church bulletin and newsletter in the church office or narthex. You may also be able to find older copies of the church bulletin and newsletter in the church library.
- Check the church's website: Many churches have websites where they publish their bulletins and newsletters. To find the church's website, you can simply search for the church's name online. Once you have found the church's website, look for a link to the church bulletin or newsletter.
- Contact the church office: If you are unable to visit the church in person or find the church's website, you can contact the church office by phone or email. The church office staff will be able to tell you how you can obtain copies of the church bulletin and newsletter.
- Search online obituary databases: Some online obituary databases include obituaries from church bulletins and newsletters. To search these databases, simply enter the person's name or other relevant information into the search bar.
Once you have found a church bulletin or newsletter that contains an obituary you are interested in, you can usually read the full text of the obituary online or in the printed bulletin or newsletter. Some churches may require you to create a free account before you can access their online bulletins and newsletters. However, most churches allow you to view their bulletins and newsletters without creating an account.
Consult historical societies and libraries.
Historical societies and libraries can be a valuable resource for finding obituaries in Ohio. Many historical societies and libraries have collections of old newspapers, funeral home records, and other historical documents that may contain obituaries. To find historical societies and libraries in Ohio, you can use a search engine or an online directory. Once you have found a few historical societies and libraries in the area where the person you're looking for lived, visit their websites or call them by phone to inquire about their obituary collections.
Here are some tips for searching for obituaries in historical societies and libraries:
- Visit the library or historical society in person: This is the best way to search for obituaries, as you will have access to the library's or historical society's entire collection of materials. Be sure to ask a librarian or archivist for assistance if you need help finding obituaries.
- Search the library's or historical society's online catalog: Many libraries and historical societies have online catalogs that you can search from home. Simply enter the person's name or other relevant information into the search bar. If the library or historical society has any obituaries in their collection that match your search criteria, they will be listed in the search results.
- Ask a librarian or archivist for assistance: If you are unable to find an obituary on your own, ask a librarian or archivist for assistance. They may be able to help you find an obituary in their collection or direct you to other resources that may be helpful.
Historical societies and libraries can be a valuable resource for finding obituaries in Ohio. By following these tips, you can easily find obituaries for people who have died in Ohio.
It's important to note that not all historical societies and libraries have obituary collections. Some historical societies and libraries may only have a limited collection of obituaries, while others may have a large collection of obituaries dating back many years. If you are unable to find an obituary at one historical society or library, try searching at another historical society or library.
Inquire with local funeral directors.
Local funeral directors can be a valuable resource for finding obituaries in Ohio. Funeral directors often have access to obituaries that are not available online or in other public records. To inquire with a local funeral director, you can either visit the funeral home in person or call the funeral home by phone. You can usually find the contact information for funeral homes online or in the phone book.
Here are some tips for inquiring with a local funeral director about obituaries:
- Visit the funeral home in person: This is the best way to inquire about obituaries, as you will be able to speak with a funeral director in person and ask them any questions you may have.
- Call the funeral home by phone: If you are unable to visit the funeral home in person, you can call the funeral home by phone. Be sure to have the person's full name and date of death ready when you call.
- Be polite and respectful: When you inquire with a funeral director about obituaries, be polite and respectful. Remember that funeral directors are dealing with grieving families and may not have time to answer your questions in great detail.
Local funeral directors can be a valuable resource for finding obituaries in Ohio. By following these tips, you can easily find obituaries for people who have died in Ohio.
It's important to note that not all funeral directors will have obituaries on file. Some funeral directors may only keep obituaries for a limited period of time, while others may keep obituaries for many years. If you are unable to find an obituary at one funeral home, try inquiring at another funeral home.
Leverage genealogy resources.
Genealogy resources can be a valuable resource for finding obituaries in Ohio. Many genealogy websites and databases include obituaries in their collections. To find genealogy resources, you can use a search engine or an online directory. Once you have found a few genealogy resources, create an account and start searching for obituaries.
- Search genealogy websites: Many genealogy websites have databases of obituaries that you can search for free. Some popular genealogy websites that include obituaries in their collections include Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, and MyHeritage.com.
- Search genealogy databases: There are also a number of genealogy databases that you can search for obituaries. Some popular genealogy databases that include obituaries in their collections include the Social Security Death Index, the Obituary Daily Times, and the BillionGraves database.
- Search local genealogy societies: Local genealogy societies may also have collections of obituaries. To find a local genealogy society, you can use a search engine or an online directory. Once you have found a local genealogy society, visit their website or call them by phone to inquire about their obituary collection.
- Search online obituary indexes: There are also a number of online obituary indexes that you can search for free. Some popular online obituary indexes include the Obituary Index at GenealogyBank.com, the Obituary Index at Findagrave.com, and the Obituary Index at Legacy.com.
Genealogy resources can be a valuable resource for finding obituaries in Ohio. By following these tips, you can easily find obituaries for people who have died in Ohio.
FAQ
Have more questions about finding obituaries in Ohio by last name? Check out these frequently asked questions (FAQs) for more information.
Question 1: What is the best way to find an obituary in Ohio by last name?
Answer 1: There are a number of ways to find an obituary in Ohio by last name. Some of the best ways include searching local newspapers online, utilizing funeral home websites, checking obituary aggregator sites, and scouring social media platforms.
Question 2: Can I find obituaries for people who died many years ago?
Answer 2: Yes, it is possible to find obituaries for people who died many years ago. However, it may take some time and effort. Some resources that may be helpful include historical societies, libraries, and genealogy websites.
Question 3: Are there any fees associated with searching for obituaries in Ohio?
Answer 3: In most cases, there are no fees associated with searching for obituaries in Ohio. However, some websites and databases may charge a fee for access to their collections.
Question 4: What other information can I find in an obituary?
Answer 4: In addition to the person's name and date of death, obituaries typically include information such as the person's age, occupation, survivors, and funeral arrangements.
Question 5: Can I find obituaries for people who died outside of Ohio?
Answer 5: Yes, it is possible to find obituaries for people who died outside of Ohio. However, you may need to search a wider range of sources, such as national obituary databases and online memorial websites.
Question 6: What is the best way to preserve an obituary?
Answer 6: There are a number of ways to preserve an obituary. Some common methods include saving a copy of the obituary online, printing out a copy of the obituary, or scanning the obituary and saving it to a digital file.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about finding obituaries in Ohio by last name. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact your local library or funeral home.
Now that you know how to find obituaries in Ohio by last name, here are a few tips to help you get started:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you find obituaries in Ohio by last name:
Tip 1: Start your search online. Many newspapers and funeral homes now publish obituaries online. This is a great place to start your search, especially if you're looking for a recent obituary.
Tip 2: Check local libraries and historical societies. Libraries and historical societies often have collections of old newspapers and other historical documents that may contain obituaries. This is a great place to look for obituaries for people who died many years ago.
Tip 3: Contact the local funeral home. Funeral homes often have obituaries on file for people who have died in their care. This is a good place to look for obituaries for people who died recently.
Tip 4: Ask family and friends. If you're looking for an obituary for a family member or friend, ask your family and friends if they have a copy of the obituary. They may also be able to tell you where you can find an obituary online or in print.
These are just a few tips to help you find obituaries in Ohio by last name. With a little effort, you should be able to find the information you're looking for.
Now that you know how to find obituaries in Ohio by last name, you can start your search today. With a little effort, you should be able to find the information you're looking for.
Conclusion
Finding obituaries in Ohio by last name can be a daunting task, but it is possible with a little effort. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can easily find obituaries for people who have died in Ohio.
Here are a few key points to remember:
- There are a number of resources available to help you find obituaries in Ohio, including online newspapers, funeral home websites, obituary aggregator sites, social media platforms, and local government offices.
- You may need to search a wider range of sources if you are looking for an obituary for someone who died many years ago.
- There are usually no fees associated with searching for obituaries in Ohio.
- Obituaries typically include information such as the person's name and date of death, as well as their age, occupation, survivors, and funeral arrangements.
- There are a number of ways to preserve an obituary, such as saving a copy of the obituary online, printing out a copy of the obituary, or scanning the obituary and saving it to a digital file.
We hope this article has been helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact your local library or funeral home.
Finding obituaries in Ohio by last name is an important step in the grieving process. By finding an obituary, you can learn more about the person who died and their life. You can also use an obituary to connect with other family members and friends who are grieving.