Obituaries FAQ

1. To submit an obituary, begin by clicking the link here: https://www.column.us/obituaries/place

2. Please provide your information in the fields provided. Click Next.

3. Select the publication(s) in which you would like the obituary to be published and click Next.

   

4. Select the date(s) and the type of obituary you would like to publish and click Next.

   

5. Enter details about the deceased. These details will be utilized to verify the death of the decedent referenced in the obituary. Click Next.

   

6. Choose your preferred layout for the obituary.

   

7. If you wish, you may upload one or more photos of the deceased individual to accompany the obituary.

8. Enter the text of the obituary. As you enter the text, the estimated cost of the obituary will be updated. You can view or download a proof of the obituary to review your submission. Once you are satisfied with the obituary, click Next.

9. Review the Order Summary page. Here, you can check the publication(s) to which your obituary is submitted, the publication dates, the submission deadline, and the total cost of the obituary.

   

10. Click Pay to complete the obituary submission process.

The exact cost depends on which publication you submit your obituary to. Typically this is calculated based on the number of dates you would like to publish your obituary and how long it is. Before you submit your obituary, you will be able to preview the cost before providing payment. We accept all major credit cards, and payment will be due at checkout.

Many publications allow photos to be included with an obituary. The cost to include a photo with an obituary will vary by the publication. Some publications charge a flat rate to add a photo. Other publications charge for a photo based on the amount of space the photo adds to the obituary.

Not sure how to choose a photo for an obituary? We've put together some helpful tips to help make the process easier when selecting a photo for your loved one's obituary.

There is no correct way to write an obituary! Your text should honor the decedent in whatever way feels most fitting to you. Please view our obituary writing guide to review many common details included in obituaries.

Each obituary is reviewed and subject to editing to meet the newspaper's guidelines for style and content. Generally, very few edits are made beyond significant spelling or grammar mistakes.

As a matter of public record, many newspapers require that the decedent's date of death be verified with an official source, such as a funeral home, crematory service, or body donation program. This ensures that the date appears correctly in historical records and prevents the publication of an obituary for someone who is not deceased.

During the submission process, you have the option to choose multiple newspapers for the publication of your obituary. It is important to note that the layout options available to you may differ based on the specific publication you select. Additionally, you will only be able to choose from standard layouts that are commonly offered across the various newspapers. This ensures that your obituary is presented in a manner that aligns with the publication's guidelines while still allowing for some degree of personalization.

You can choose your publication date(s) through Column's submission portal. Most newspapers post obituaries online once the order is reviewed and confirmed by a publisher or Column Rep. This means the obituary may appear online before the print date.

We understand that mistakes can happen, even after you've read through an obituary multiple times. Whether a survivor's name was spelled incorrectly, a beloved hobby was forgotten, or the year your loved one was married needs correction, we have simplified the process for making adjustments. After successfully submitting your obituary, you will receive an email confirming your submission. This email will include a link to modify or cancel your order. To edit the obituary, simply click the link.

If the edits to your obituary result in a different cost than what was previously paid, your original payment will be fully refunded. You will then need to resubmit payment for the new amount due.

For information on obtaining a copy of the newspaper, we recommend contacting your local publication directly. They will be able to provide you with specific details regarding availability, locations where you can purchase a copy, and any other relevant information you may need.

A death notice is a concise and factual announcement informing the public of an individual's passing. Unlike an obituary, which not only conveys the essential details surrounding the death but also encompasses biographical information and personal anecdotes that celebrate the life of the deceased, a death notice is typically more straightforward. It focuses solely on the essential facts without delving into the individual's life story. Furthermore, death notices are subject to editing in accordance with the specific standards and guidelines set forth by newspapers, ensuring that they maintain clarity and consistency in their presentation.