Press-Citizen Obituaries (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.

There are reasons why acknowledging a death in print, whether in a newspaper or online, is a good idea: Paying tribute to the person who has died. Everyone has a unique life story. In nearly every case, it's a story that should be told and preserved.

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where access to media is limited, or in cases where the deceased or their family prefer privacy, an obituary may not be published.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.

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.

Why does it cost so much to post an obituary? Publishing an obituary in the newspaper is expensive because of the limited space papers have. Newspapers value every inch of each page, so they must charge to use that limited space for an obituary.

For one, obituaries are stories with a closure unlike the daily news items that are generally interim reports. They are often good stories. One reads about remarkable accomplishments, odd achievements, quirky lives, wild adventures, strange vicissitudes, and forgotten personalities.

Who writes the obituary? While there are no rules when it comes to who writes the obituary, they're typically written by family members or close friends. When a loved one passes, the family usually decides who will write it based on their relationship to the deceased or writing ability.

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.

Is it wrong not to go to a friend's funeral? ›

Provided you have given it some thought and haven't overlooked any important factor about skipping a funeral, then most people will be respectful of your wishes to not attend. But you can expect some pushback from friends and family who don't agree with your decision.

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.

When we hear them, researchers say, our brains synthesize the hormone oxytocin, triggering an empathetic response. Reading obits can make you feel the fear and pride of an immigrant who started over in a new country, the awe of a mountain climber, the pain of an addict, the patience of a schoolteacher.