### Navigating the Online Obituary Directory The online search tools on the funeral home's website are designed to help family members, friends, and community members locate specific records quickly. To find a specific listing, you can use the following built-in tools: * **Name Search:** The search bar allows you to search using either a partial or a full name. If you are unsure of the exact spelling of a last name, entering just the first few letters can help narrow down the results. * **Browse by Date:** If you know the approximate time of passing but not the exact date, you can browse listings grouped by the month and year they were published. This allows you to scroll through all entries from a specific timeframe. * **Alphabetical Filtering:** Some versions of the directory allow you to filter by the first letter of the deceased person's last name, which is highly useful for scanning common local surnames. ### Information Available on Memorial Pages Once you locate the correct listing and click on the individual's name, you will be directed to a dedicated memorial page. Depending on the specific listing, these pages typically contain: * **The Full Obituary:** A written summary of the individual's life, family, education, career, and legacy. * **Service Information:** Specific details regarding the dates, times, and locations for visitations, funerals, or memorial services. * **Tribute Wall:** An interactive feature that allows visitors to leave condolences, share memories, upload photos, or light virtual candles for the family. * **Flower and Gift Links:** Direct links to order and send flowers, memorial trees, or sympathy gifts directly to the family or the funeral service.
## Local Newspapers and Media Archives If the obituary you are looking for is not listed on the funeral home's website—which can happen with older records—local newspapers are the next best place to look. ### The Steubenville Herald-Star The *Herald-Star* is the primary daily newspaper serving Steubenville, Jefferson County, and the surrounding Ohio Valley. Historically, nearly all obituaries handled by Shorac Funeral Homes are published in the print and online editions of the *Herald-Star*. For recent passings (typically within the last few years), you can search the obituary section of the *Herald-Star* website. For older archives, the newspaper partners with online archive databases, or you may need to access physical or microfilm copies.
### Legacy.com and Obituary Aggregators Many local newspapers, including the *Herald-Star*, partner with national obituary database platforms like Legacy.com. By searching these platforms and filtering by "Steubenville, OH" or "Shorac Funeral Home," you can often find archived obituaries that date back several years. These platforms also allow you to set up email alerts for specific surnames in the Steubenville area. ## Finding Historical and Archived Shorac Obituaries If you are searching for an older obituary for genealogical purposes, the record may no longer be hosted on the active funeral home website. In these cases, local historical institutions offer excellent resources. ### Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County The Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County is an invaluable resource for local history. The library system, particularly the Main Library in downtown Steubenville and the Schiappa Branch in Wintersville, houses extensive local history and genealogy departments.
* **Microfilm Archives:** The library maintains microfilm archives of the *Herald-Star* and other historical local newspapers dating back to the 19th century. * **Obituary Indexes:** Local librarians and historical societies have compiled physical and digital obituary indexes that make it easier to locate the exact date of publication for older records. * **Digital Collections:** The library's website offers access to digital local history databases that can be searched from home with a library card. ### Online Genealogy Databases For historical research, websites like Find a Grave, FamilySearch, and Ancestry.com are highly effective. Volunteers frequently upload photos of headstones from Jefferson County cemeteries (such as Mount Calvary Cemetery or Fort Steuben Burial Estates), often linking them to the original published obituaries. ## Tips for a Successful Obituary Search If you are having trouble finding a specific record, consider these troubleshooting steps:
### Adjust Your Search Parameters If a name search yields no results, try using a partial name search to account for potential spelling variations or typos. Additionally, try searching by the maiden name of a female decedent, as some older records may index individuals differently. ### Verify Service Details Directly Because service times, locations, and details can sometimes change due to weather or scheduling conflicts, it is always best to verify this information directly. The individual obituary page on the official funeral home website serves as the most accurate and up-to-date source for scheduling. If you cannot find the record you are seeking online, contacting the funeral home directly by phone is the most reliable way to inquire about older archives or verify service details.
