Uncovering the Stories of Life: Deseret News Obituaries as a Window into Utah's Past and Present

As the official newspaper of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The Deseret News has been chronicling the lives and legacies of Utahns for over 170 years. Through its obituaries, the newspaper offers a poignant and informative glimpse into the personal histories, cultural traditions, and societal changes that have shaped the Beehive State.

The Legacy of Deseret News Obituaries

Since its inception in 1850, The Deseret News has published countless obituaries, preserving the memories of individuals from every walk of life. These obituaries serve as a valuable resource for genealogists, historians, and anyone seeking to understand the diverse tapestry of Utah's population.

According to a recent study by the Utah State Archives, over 2 million obituaries have been published in The Deseret News. This vast collection provides a wealth of information on the lives, deaths, and societal trends of Utahns.

Obituaries as a Reflection of Cultural Traditions

Deseret News obituaries offer a unique perspective on Utah's religious and cultural practices. Many obituaries include details about the deceased's religious affiliations, temple ordinances, and family history work. These inclusions reflect the strong emphasis on faith and family within Utah's predominantly Latter-day Saint community.

For example, a typical obituary might mention that the deceased was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, served as a missionary in various locations, and sealed to their spouse for time and all eternity in the temple. Such details provide insight into the spiritual beliefs and practices that have played a central role in Utah's history.

Obituaries as a Window into Social Change

In addition to reflecting religious traditions, obituaries also serve as a mirror of societal changes over time. Trends in life expectancy, causes of death, and funeral practices can be discerned from the pages of The Deseret News.

For example, the newspaper's archives reveal that life expectancy in Utah has increased significantly over the past century. In 1900, the average life expectancy was just 47 years; by 2020, it had risen to over 80 years. This increase is attributed to advances in healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition.

Similarly, the causes of death have shifted over time. In the early 20th century, infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumonia were leading causes of death. Today, chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer account for most fatalities. These changes reflect improvements in public health and medical technology.

Effective Strategies for Using Deseret News Obituaries

Researchers and genealogists can use Deseret News obituaries to uncover a wealth of information. Here are some effective strategies:

• Keyword Search: Use specific keywords related to the person you are researching, such as their name, birth date, or place of residence.
• Date Range Search: Limit your search to a specific time period to narrow down the results.
• Advanced Search: Utilize the advanced search options to filter by specific fields, such as religion, occupation, or location.
• Obituaries Index: The Deseret News maintains an index of published obituaries that can be searched online.
• Library Resources: Many libraries have access to microfilm or digital archives of The Deseret News.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Check Multiple Sources: Confirm the information found in obituaries with other sources, such as census records, family history records, and death certificates.
• Read Between the Lines: Obituaries often contain hidden details that can provide clues about the deceased's life and personality.
• Contact the Newspaper: If you cannot find the obituary you are looking for, contact The Deseret News directly for assistance.

Step-by-Step Approach for Using Deseret News Obituaries

1. Identify the person you are researching and gather any known information about them.
2. Determine the approximate time frame in which the obituary was likely published.
3. Visit The Deseret News website or access the microfilm archives at a library.
4. Conduct a keyword search or use the advanced search options to filter the results.
5. Review the obituaries that match your search criteria and identify the one that contains the most relevant information.
6. Analyze the obituary for details about the deceased's life, death, and family relationships.
7. Corroborate the information with other sources to ensure accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I access Deseret News obituaries online?

Yes, a limited number of obituaries are available online at DeseretNews.com. However, for a more comprehensive search, it is recommended to consult the newspaper's microfilm archives or visit a library that subscribes to The Deseret News.

2. How far back do Deseret News obituaries go?

The newspaper's archives date back to 1850, providing access to obituaries published over the past 170 years.

3. Is there a fee to access Deseret News obituaries?

Access to the online obituaries on DeseretNews.com is free of charge. However, there may be a fee for accessing microfilm archives or requesting copies of obituaries from the newspaper's archives.

4. Can I submit an obituary to The Deseret News?

Yes, obituaries can be submitted to The Deseret News for publication. Guidelines and submission instructions are available on the newspaper's website.

5. How do I contact The Deseret News for assistance with obituary research?

The Deseret News can be contacted by phone at (801) 237-2100 or by email at obits@deseretnews.com.

6. Are there any other resources available for researching Utah obituaries?

Yes, several other resources are available for researching Utah obituaries, including:

| Resource | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah State Archives | Contains a vast collection of obituaries from various Utah newspapers |
| FamilySearch | Provides access to a large database of obituaries and other genealogical records |
| Ancestry.com | Offers a subscription-based service with access to a comprehensive collection of obituaries |
| Findagrave.com | A website that hosts user-submitted memorials and obituaries |

Conclusion

Deseret News obituaries are invaluable sources of information for anyone seeking to understand the history, culture, and people of Utah. By effectively utilizing these obituaries, researchers and genealogists can uncover a wealth of knowledge about their ancestors and the broader tapestry of Utah's past and present.