The La Grande Observer Obituaries (2024)

FAQs

Is it normal to read obituaries? ›

We all do. I would take note of the notice on reaching the end of one section or another of the daily paper where obituaries are usually printed. Reading an obituary is not so much an act of mourning a death but of reviewing a life of notable accomplishment and celebrating it.

Most obituaries are around 200 words long, which means using as few words as possible to avoid going over the word count. It's a good idea to make a plan before you write to ensure you stick to the most important points about the person who died.

1. Mark Twain. Mark Twain is the most famous and memorable figure to ever read his own obituary. A rumor circulated in the spring of 1897 that the literary genius had passed away following a grave illness.

During a funeral or memorial service, it is common for someone to stand up and read the obituary to the attendees. This reading may be performed by a family member, a close friend, or a designated individual.

Access Restrictions. All birth records, including indexes, have a 100-year access restriction, and death certificates have a 50-year access restriction (Oregon Health Division, OAR 333-011-096). Permission to access vital records in the Archives that are restricted must be obtained through the State Registrar.

Minimum Obituaries are one column wide by four inches deep (about 30 words with a photo or 110 words without a photo) for $264.00. Obituaries exceeding four inches, price at $100 per column inch. There are approximately 30 words in a column inch.

Some families make the final line a dedication honoring their loved one. Phrases like “We will always carry your memory in our hearts,” or perhaps a favorite quote of your loved one are heartfelt and personal.

Most American funerals take place within one week or less from death. With the help of a funeral home, a week is typically enough time to make arrangements and contact loved ones.

Why would someone not want an obituary? ›

Reasons a Family Might Not Want to Write an Obituary

Some may feel that it is too personal or private to share with the public, while others may not have the financial means to pay for its publication. Additionally, some families may prefer to grieve privately and not draw attention to the death.

Legacy.com hosts obituaries for more than three-quarters of the 100 largest newspapers in the U.S., by circulation. The site attracts more than 30 million unique visitors per month and is among the top 40 trafficked websites in the world.

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.

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.

Many obituaries describe a legacy the person leaves behind, even some details you didn't know when they were alive.

By reading books about death and dying we can increase our own death-awareness and prepare ourselves to be a source of information and inspiration for others.