Salt Lake City Obituaries: Tribune & Deseret News
Finding obituary information for loved ones in Salt Lake City can sometimes feel overwhelming. You're dealing with grief, and the last thing you need is a complicated search process. This article aims to simplify finding obituaries from the Salt Lake Tribune and the Deseret News, two primary sources for obituary announcements in the Salt Lake City area. We'll guide you through the process, highlighting the resources available and offering tips to streamline your search.
Understanding Obituary Resources in Salt Lake City
When searching for obituaries in Salt Lake City, it's crucial to understand the key resources available. The Salt Lake Tribune and the Deseret News are the main newspapers that publish obituaries for the region. These publications have both print and online versions, each with its own search functionalities and archives. Knowing how to navigate these resources effectively can save you a significant amount of time and effort.
The Salt Lake Tribune
The Salt Lake Tribune, founded in 1871, has a long-standing tradition of publishing obituaries for residents of Salt Lake City and surrounding areas. The Tribune's obituary section provides a way for families to announce the passing of a loved one and share details about memorial services and celebrations of life. The online version of the Tribune offers a searchable database of obituaries, allowing you to filter by name, date, and keywords. This can be particularly useful if you have specific information about the deceased.
Navigating the Salt Lake Tribune's online obituary section is relatively straightforward. Typically, you'll find a search bar where you can enter the name of the deceased. You can also refine your search by specifying a date range or adding keywords related to the individual, such as their place of residence or occupation. Once you've entered your search criteria, the website will display a list of obituaries that match your input. Each entry usually includes a brief summary of the obituary, with a link to the full announcement.
In addition to the online search, the Salt Lake Tribune also maintains archives of past obituaries. These archives can be a valuable resource if you're looking for an obituary that was published some time ago. However, accessing the archives may require a subscription or a fee. Check the Tribune's website for details on how to access their obituary archives and any associated costs.
The Deseret News
The Deseret News, established in 1850, is another primary source for obituaries in Salt Lake City. Like the Salt Lake Tribune, the Deseret News publishes obituaries both in print and online. The Deseret News typically covers a broad range of obituaries, reflecting the diverse community of Salt Lake City. Their online obituary section offers similar search functionalities to the Tribune, allowing you to search by name, date, and keywords.
Searching for obituaries on the Deseret News website is similar to the process on the Salt Lake Tribune site. You'll find a search bar where you can enter the name of the deceased and refine your search with additional criteria. The search results will display a list of obituaries that match your input, with links to the full announcements. The Deseret News also provides options to filter the search results by date range or other relevant categories.
The Deseret News also maintains archives of past obituaries, which can be a useful resource for historical research or locating older announcements. As with the Salt Lake Tribune, accessing the Deseret News archives may require a subscription or a fee. Be sure to check the Deseret News website for details on accessing their archives and any associated costs.
Comparing the Tribune and Deseret News
While both the Salt Lake Tribune and the Deseret News are valuable resources for finding obituaries in Salt Lake City, there can be differences in their coverage and the way they present information. Some families may choose to publish obituaries in both newspapers, while others may opt for just one. Therefore, it's often a good idea to search both resources to ensure you don't miss any relevant announcements.
Tips for an Effective Obituary Search
To effectively search for obituaries, consider the following tips. These strategies can help you narrow down your search and increase the chances of finding the information you're looking for. By employing these techniques, you can streamline the process and make it less stressful.
Use Specific Search Terms
The more specific you can be with your search terms, the better. Instead of just entering a last name, try including the first name, middle initial, and any known nicknames. If you know the approximate date of death, be sure to include that as well. Other helpful details to include in your search terms are the deceased's city of residence, occupation, or any organizations they were affiliated with. The more information you provide, the more accurate your search results will be.
For example, instead of searching for "Smith," try searching for "John A. Smith, Salt Lake City, teacher." This will significantly narrow down the results and make it easier to find the specific obituary you're looking for. Remember to experiment with different combinations of search terms to see what yields the best results. Sometimes, a slight variation in the search query can make a big difference.
Check Variations of Names
Names can be tricky, especially if you're not sure of the exact spelling or if the person went by a nickname. Be sure to check for variations of the name, such as common misspellings or abbreviations. For example, if you're looking for an obituary for someone named Elizabeth, also try searching for "Liz," "Beth," or "Eliza." Similarly, if you're unsure of the spelling of a last name, try searching for similar-sounding names.
Also, keep in mind that some people may have used different names at different points in their lives. For example, a married woman may have used her maiden name before getting married. If you're aware of any previous names the person may have used, be sure to include those in your search as well. This can help you uncover obituaries that might otherwise be missed.
Expand Your Search Radius
If you're not finding the obituary you're looking for in Salt Lake City, consider expanding your search radius to include surrounding areas. People who lived in nearby towns or counties may have had their obituaries published in local newspapers or online resources. Check the websites of newspapers in cities like Provo, Ogden, and Park City, as well as smaller community papers in the region.
You can also use online genealogy resources, such as Ancestry.com or FamilySearch.org, to search for obituaries in a wider geographic area. These websites often have extensive databases of historical records, including obituaries from various sources. Keep in mind that accessing these resources may require a subscription or a fee.
Use Online Genealogy Resources
Online genealogy resources can be invaluable when searching for obituaries. Websites like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, and FindAGrave.com offer vast collections of historical records, including obituaries, death certificates, and cemetery records. These resources can help you piece together information about your family history and locate obituaries that may not be available through traditional newspaper archives.
Ancestry.com, for example, has a dedicated obituary collection that includes records from newspapers across the United States. You can search this collection by name, date, and location to find obituaries that match your criteria. FamilySearch.org is a free resource that offers a similar collection of historical records, including obituaries and death notices. FindAGrave.com is another useful website that allows you to search for burial information and view photos of headstones, which can sometimes include obituary information.
Contact Local Funeral Homes
Funeral homes often keep records of past services and may be able to provide you with a copy of an obituary, even if it wasn't published in a newspaper. Contact funeral homes in the area where the person lived or where the funeral service was held. They may have information that is not available elsewhere. Many funeral homes also have websites where they post current and past obituaries. Check the websites of local funeral homes to see if the obituary you're looking for is available online.
Be Patient and Persistent
Searching for obituaries can sometimes be a time-consuming process, especially if you're looking for an obituary from many years ago. Don't get discouraged if you don't find what you're looking for right away. Be patient and persistent, and keep trying different search strategies until you find the information you need. Remember to take breaks and ask for help from friends or family members if you're feeling overwhelmed.
Conclusion
Finding obituaries from the Salt Lake Tribune and the Deseret News requires understanding the resources available and employing effective search strategies. By using specific search terms, checking variations of names, expanding your search radius, utilizing online genealogy resources, contacting local funeral homes, and remaining patient and persistent, you can increase your chances of locating the obituaries you seek. Remember, each search brings you closer to honoring and remembering your loved ones. Guys, keep these tips in mind, and the process will be a lot smoother. Good luck!