In the heart of Ohio, where the Tuscarawas River winds through rolling hills and tight-knit communities, the passing of a resident is more than a statistic; it is a moment of collective remembrance. For generations, the communities of New Philadelphia, Dover, Uhrichsville, Sugarcreek, and beyond have turned to a specific, solemn section of their local newspapers to mark these passings: the Tuscarawas County obituaries. Far more than simple death notices, these written tributes serve as a vital bridge between personal grief and community heritage, offering a unique window into the lives that have shaped the county’s character.
The tradition of publishing obituaries in local papers like The Times-Reporter is deeply ingrained in the fabric of Tuscarawas County. In an age of digital saturation, these notices remain a primary and trusted source of information. When a loved one dies, families painstakingly craft these narratives, often with the assistance of funeral homes such as Linn-Hert-Geib, Toland-Herzig, or Addy Funeral Home. The result is a poignant chronicle that does much more than announce a funeral service.
A typical Tuscarawas County obituary is a rich tapestry of a life lived. It begins with the essential facts: the individual’s full name, age, place of residence, and the date they passed away. But it quickly expands into the story of their life. You will learn where they were born, often to proud parents whose names are still recognized in the community. They detail educational milestones, from a one-room schoolhouse to New Philadelphia High School or Buckeye Career Center. They speak of decades of service at Gradall, Union Hospital, or one of the area’s many cherished small businesses.
The true heart of these obituaries, however, lies in the personal details. They celebrate a 50-year marriage that began at a dance at the Tuscora Park pavilion. They honor military service, noting if a departed loved one was a veteran of World War II, Korea, or Vietnam, connecting their personal story to the nation’s history. They list surviving family members—spouses, children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren—painting a picture of a family’s legacy. They remember simple joys: a passion for Ohio State football, a mastery of quilting, a dedication to coaching little league, or a famous recipe for apple butter.
For genealogists and family historians, the archives of Tuscarawas County obituaries are an invaluable treasure trove. These documents provide verified dates, familial relationships, and geographical data that can break down long-standing research barriers. Local resources like the Tuscarawas County Genealogical Society often maintain extensive clipping files and digital indexes, helping descendants from across the country piece together their family trees rooted in this specific Ohio soil. An obituary from 1955 found on microfilm at the Tuscarawas County Public Library can reveal the maiden name of a great-grandmother or the name of a forgotten homestead, adding color and context to names on a census record.
The digital age has transformed how we access this information. While the physical newspaper remains important, most obituaries are now simultaneously published online. Websites for local funeral homes and the Times-Reporter’s online obituary section have become essential community hubs. This digital shift allows for immediate sharing on social media, enabling the far-flung descendants of Tuscarawas County to receive news quickly and leave virtual condolences for grieving families. This extends the community’s embrace beyond county lines, connecting people through shared memory in a powerful, modern way.
Reading these obituaries, one gains a profound understanding of the values that bind Tuscarawas County together: faith, family, hard work, and service. They are a recurring narrative of devotion to church, love for family farms, and pride in local achievements. They are a testament to the enduring spirit of a community that remembers its own, ensuring that no life’s story is forgotten as time moves forward.
In essence, the Tuscarawas County obituary is not an endpoint. It is a beginning—a starting point for remembrance, a catalyst for genealogical discovery, and a lasting, public monument to a unique life that contributed to the story of a unique place. They remind us that every life, from the longtime mayor to the quiet farmer, has a story worth telling and preserving for generations to come.
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Informational FAQs About Tuscarawas County Obituaries
Q1: Where can I find current Tuscarawas County obituaries online?
A1: The primary online source is the website for the local newspaper, The Times-Reporter (timesreporter.com). Their obituary section is regularly updated. Additionally, most local funeral homes publish obituaries on their own websites. Major funeral homes in the area include Linn-Hert-Geib, Toland-Herzig, Addy Funeral Home, and Uhrich-Hostettler.
Q2: How can I find older, historical obituaries from Tuscarawas County?
A2: For obituaries that are several years or decades old, excellent resources exist:
- Tuscarawas County Public Library: The Main Library in New Philadelphia maintains an extensive obituary index and clipping files. They also provide access to newspaper microfilm archives.
- Tuscarawas County Genealogical Society: This organization is an invaluable resource for family historians. They have compiled indexes and collections specifically for genealogical research.
- Online Databases: Websites like Find a Grave and GenealogyBank often have digitized obituaries, though these may require a subscription.
Q3: Is there a cost to place an obituary in The Times-Reporter?
A3: Yes, publishing an obituary is a paid service. The cost can vary depending on the length of the obituary and whether a photograph is included. Families typically arrange this through the funeral home handling the arrangements, as the funeral home will act as an intermediary with the newspaper.
Q4: Can anyone submit an obituary to the newspaper?
A4: Generally, obituaries are submitted by the immediate family of the deceased or by the funeral home they have engaged. Newspapers usually require that submissions come from a verified funeral home to ensure accuracy and prevent fraudulent notices.
Q5: What information is typically included in a full obituary?
A5: A comprehensive obituary often includes:
- Full name of the deceased, including maiden name.
- Age, date of death, and city of residence.
- Place and date of birth, and parents’ names.
- Spouse’s name, date of marriage.
- Names of children, grandchildren, and other immediate survivors.
- Educational and career history.
- Military service.
- Memberships in churches, clubs, or organizations.
- Hobbies and personal interests.
- Details about the funeral or memorial service (time, date, location).
- Information on where memorial contributions can be made in lieu of flowers.
