Finding obituaries for loved ones or researching family history often begins with local newspapers. The Parkersburg News and Sentinel is a vital resource for obituaries in the Parkersburg, West Virginia area. This guide will help you navigate the process of finding obituaries in the Parkersburg News and Sentinel, both online and through traditional methods.
How to Find Obituaries Online
The most convenient way to access Parkersburg News and Sentinel obituaries is through their online platform. While the exact method may vary slightly depending on their website design, here's a general approach:
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Visit the Parkersburg News and Sentinel Website: Go to the official website of the Parkersburg News and Sentinel.
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Look for an "Obituaries" Section: Most newspaper websites have a dedicated section for obituaries. This might be located in a main navigation menu, often labeled "Obituaries," "Death Notices," or something similar. Look for a prominent link or tab.
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Use the Search Function: Once in the obituaries section, the website likely offers a search bar. Enter the deceased person's name, or potentially a partial name if you are unsure of the spelling. You can also try searching by date of death or other relevant information.
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Refine Your Search (if necessary): Some websites allow for more refined searches, allowing you to specify date ranges, location, or other details to narrow down your results.
How to Find Obituaries in Print
While online access is increasingly common, you can still find obituaries in the print edition of the Parkersburg News and Sentinel.
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Visit a Local News Stand or Library: Check your local newsstands or the newspaper section of your local library to purchase or view a recent print edition of the Parkersburg News and Sentinel. Obituaries are typically grouped together in a specific section of the paper.
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Scan the Obituary Section: Carefully review the obituary section of the paper. You can speed up your search by scanning the names printed.
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Note Publication Date: If you find the obituary you need, make sure to note the date the obituary was published, as this is important for record-keeping.
What if I Can't Find the Obituary Online or in Print?
If you are having trouble locating an obituary through the online or print editions of the Parkersburg News and Sentinel, there are a few additional avenues you can explore:
Contact the Parkersburg News and Sentinel Directly:
Their customer service department can provide assistance, even if they can't immediately locate the obituary in their online archives.
Check Local Funeral Homes:
Funeral homes often keep records of the services they provide, and they may be able to help you confirm the details and potentially provide access to an obituary even if it wasn't published in the newspaper.
Utilize Online Obituary Search Engines:
Several websites specialize in aggregating obituaries from various sources. These might include obituaries from the Parkersburg News and Sentinel, even if they are not directly accessible through the newspaper's site.
Are There Any Fees Associated with Accessing Obituaries?
While accessing many obituaries online is free, there might be some exceptions. Some websites or services may charge a fee for premium features like extensive family tree searches or access to older archives. The Parkersburg News and Sentinel's specific policies on obituary access should be reviewed on their website.
How Far Back Do the Parkersburg News and Sentinel Archives Go?
The extent of the online archives varies, so checking their website directly will provide the most up-to-date information. Older obituaries may be less accessible online and more readily available in print archives held by libraries or historical societies.
This guide should provide a comprehensive overview of how to find obituaries in the Parkersburg News and Sentinel. Remember to be patient and persistent, as locating obituaries can sometimes require a multifaceted approach.
