missoulian newspaper obituaries

2 min read 25-12-2024

The Missoulian newspaper, a vital part of Missoula, Montana's history, provides a valuable resource for those searching for obituaries. This guide will help you navigate the process of finding Missoulian obituaries, whether for recent losses or researching family history.

Accessing Recent Missoulian Obituaries

The most straightforward way to find recently published Missoulian obituaries is through their online website.

The Missoulian Website:

Direct Search: The Missoulian's website usually has a dedicated section for obituaries. Look for a link typically labeled "Obituaries," "Death Notices," or similar. This section often allows searches by name, date, or other criteria.
Advanced Search Options: Many newspaper websites offer advanced search features. Use these to refine your search by date range, keywords (like a maiden name), or other specifics.
Check Regularly: Obituaries are added to the website regularly, so checking back periodically is recommended, especially if you're searching for a very recent obituary.

Alternative Online Resources:

Legacy.com: Legacy.com is a large online obituary database that often includes obituaries from many newspapers, including those from The Missoulian. This is a good alternative if you don't find what you're looking for directly on the Missoulian website.
Other Obituary Aggregators: Several other websites aggregate obituaries from various sources. A quick Google search for "Montana obituaries" might reveal additional options.

Finding Older Missoulian Obituaries

Locating older Missoulian obituaries requires a bit more detective work.

Missoulian Archives:

Online Archives (Subscription): The Missoulian may offer access to its archives online, often for a subscription fee. This would provide the most comprehensive search option for older obituaries.
Physical Archives: Check with the Missoulian directly about accessing their physical archives. They might have limited access for researchers or require an appointment. This option is ideal for those willing to do on-site research.

Genealogical Resources:

Ancestry.com: Ancestry.com and similar genealogical websites often include digitized newspaper archives, potentially containing older Missoulian obituaries. These sites typically require a paid subscription.
FamilySearch: FamilySearch, a free genealogical resource provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, might also have indexed Missoulian obituaries.

Local Libraries:

Missoula Public Library: The Missoula Public Library may have a collection of old Missoulian newspapers on microfilm or microfiche. Check their resources and ask their reference librarians for assistance. They are usually very helpful in guiding researchers.
University of Montana Libraries: The University of Montana libraries might also have extensive newspaper archives that include The Missoulian.

Tips for Successful Searching

Be thorough: Try various spellings of names, including maiden names and nicknames. Consider different date ranges.
Use keywords: Think about additional information you might have about the deceased, such as their occupation, address, or affiliations (e.g., veteran, church member). These can help refine your search.
Check related records: Once you locate an obituary, look for references to other family members or events that might lead you to more information.
Contact the Missoulian directly: If you're struggling to find a specific obituary, contacting The Missoulian directly might be helpful.

Finding Missoulian obituaries can be challenging, but with patience and the right resources, you should be able to locate the information you need. Remember to be persistent, utilize multiple search methods, and don't hesitate to seek help from librarians or other research professionals.