Herald-Dispatch Obituaries 2020 (2024)

FAQs

Why do some people not post obituaries? ›

Publishing an obituary can be expensive , and the funds may be unavailable. The deceased has few family members or friends , so there might have, unfortunately, been no need for an obituary. Obituaries are also written for the living so that they may learn of an individual's passing.

Keep in mind the length: the average size of an obituary is approximately 200 words, but some publications may accept obituaries as long as 450 words or as short as 50 words.

The first paragraph of the obituary should include the deceased person's full name, including any nicknames they may have used, their age, date and place of death. Some people choose to include cause of death, but this is optional depending on how much information you would like to share.

In some cases, the deceased person may have explicitly requested not to have an obituary written, or the family may feel they would not have wanted one. Additionally, some families may be concerned about privacy or wish to keep the details of their loved one's passing private.

It is not considered disrespectful to not have an obit, and many families choose to skip them. Though there is no legal obligation to publish an obituary, families should make the decision based on their preferences, the wishes of their loved one, and the needs of their extended family and friend network.

​​​​​​​The Vital Registration Office provides certified copies of births, deaths, marriages, and births resulting in stillbirth. There are several ways to obtain a certified copy including in person, by mail, or by phone/internet/fax (credit/debit cards only).

Decedent records are classified as confidential medical records and disclosure is restricted. All requests for autopsy reports, toxicology reports and cremation permits must go through OCME's administrator. Contact the administrator at (304) 558-6920.

Concluding Message

Phrases like “We will always carry your memory in our hearts,” or perhaps a favorite quote of your loved one are heartfelt and personal.

What is the shortest obituary ever? ›

The late Douglas Legler, from Fargo, North Dakota, may have the funniest and most concise obituary ever. The whole obituary reads "Doug Died." And that's exactly the way he wanted it.

An obituary is written to tell the story of your loved one. These will often be in the funeral program. There will even be a part of the funeral where the obituary will be silently read by everyone in attendance at the funeral. It is something you and your family should be patient with when you are writing it.

A Fitting—and Safe—Tribute

Protect your loved one's identity even after they pass by avoiding using too many specific details in their obituary. Consider only using the first names of relatives, for instance. Or mention their military service but not their regiment number or other details.

Spouse. Children (in order of date of birth) Grandchildren. Siblings (in order of date of birth)

If you like to be technical, names should be listed as follows: first name, spouse's first name in parenthesis, then surname (ex: Tom (Sarah) Johnson). If the spouse or partner's surname is different, include their surname in the parenthesis along with their first name (ex: Tom (Sarah Williams) Johnson).

Additionally, some families may prefer to keep the details of their loved one's passing private and not share them with the public. Another reason a family might choose not to write an obituary is that it can be expensive.

However, in communities where access to media is limited, or in cases where the deceased or their family prefer privacy, an obituary may not be published. Additionally, socio-economic factors can influence whether an obituary is created, as families with fewer resources might not have the means to publish one.

If you are not an immediate family member of the loved one, ask yourself if you are close to their family. Never post about a loved one before their family has acknowledged the death themselves or given you permission to do so.

If you are considering posting the obituary to social media, it is important to ensure that all important, close family members have been informed before you move forward with the idea. Certain people in your life deserve to hear the news firsthand and not through a post online.