Portsmouth Daily Times Obits: A Comprehensive Guide to Finding Local Obituaries

For families in southern Ohio, the Portsmouth Daily Times obits section has long served as a trusted source for honoring loved ones and preserving local history. Whether you’re searching for a recent obituary, tracing your family heritage, or learning about community members who shaped Portsmouth’s identity, this obituary archive offers a window into the past that still resonates today.
As online searches for Portsmouth Daily Times obits continue to grow, many readers want a clear, helpful guide to finding information quickly and understanding what these obituary listings include. This article breaks down everything you need to know—from browsing the newspaper’s online archives to using obituary details for genealogy research—so you can navigate the process with confidence.
Why Local Obituaries Still Matter
Local newspapers have always played a crucial role in how communities share the news of a loss. Even in the digital age, printed and online obituary listings from trusted publications like the Portsmouth Daily Times remain essential for several reasons:
1. They Preserve Community History
Obituaries contain more than names and dates—they tell stories. They capture details about careers, passions, military service, and contributions to local life. This makes Portsmouth Daily Times obits an invaluable historical resource.
2. They Help Families and Friends Stay Connected
Many families are spread across the country or even the world. Online obituaries allow relatives and friends to come together digitally by sharing memories, submitting condolences, or sending flowers.
3. They Assist Genealogists and Researchers
Historians and genealogy enthusiasts often rely on obituary archives to track lineage, discover ancestral connections, and verify family data across generations.
4. They Provide Important Legal Information
Obituaries often include information that assists with estate matters, such as identifying surviving family members or confirming dates of death.
With these benefits in mind, it’s easy to see why the Portsmouth Daily Times obits section remains one of the most frequently visited parts of the website.
How to Navigate Portsmouth Daily Times Obits Online
Searching for obituaries used to mean flipping through physical newspapers, but now the process is much easier thanks to digital archives. If you’re trying to find information through Portsmouth Daily Times obits, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate efficiently.
1. Visit the Official Portsmouth Daily Times Website
Most recent obituary listings are available directly through the publication’s online portal. These entries are usually updated daily and include photos, service announcements, and memorial notes.
2. Use the Website’s Search Feature
If you’re looking for a specific person:
- Enter the first and last name
- Add filters such as publication date
- Search for related keywords like “funeral services” or “memorial”
Including the phrase “Portsmouth Daily Times obits” in your search engine query can also take you directly to the obituary section.
3. Browse the Daily or Weekly Listings
The newspaper typically organizes obituaries by date. This makes it simple to browse recent announcements or look back through archived issues.
4. Access Archived Print Editions
For historical research, some archives may date back decades. These may require:
- A library card
- A digital archive subscription
- Access through genealogy platforms like FamilySearch or Ancestry
If you’re researching older Portsmouth Daily Times obits, contacting the local library or historical society can be incredibly helpful.
5. Look for Funeral Home Cross-Listings
Many funeral homes publish obituaries both on their own websites and through the Portsmouth Daily Times. Cross-referencing ensures you get the most complete information available.
What You’ll Find in Typical Portsmouth Daily Times Obits
Obituary formats vary depending on the family’s needs, but most Portsmouth Daily Times obits include several common elements. These details not only honor the deceased but also assist readers in remembering, researching, or contacting loved ones.
1. Basic Personal Information
This usually includes:
- Full name
- Age
- Date and place of death
- Birth date and birthplace
2. Life Highlights
Many obituaries include:
- Education history
- Career achievements
- Military service
- Community involvement
- Hobbies and passions
These details enrich the story and provide a more personal glimpse into the individual’s life.
3. Family Members
Obituaries typically name:
- Parents
- Spouses
- Children and grandchildren
- Siblings
- Close friends or caregivers
This genealogical information is one reason why researchers frequently rely on Portsmouth Daily Times obits.
4. Funeral or Memorial Arrangements
Expect to find:
- Dates and locations of services
- Viewing or visitation information
- Burial location
- Instructions for sending flowers or memorial contributions
5. Photos or Memory Tributes
Digital obituaries often include:
- Portraits
- Video slideshows
- Messages from family and friends
These modern additions help preserve memories for future generations.
Tips for Conducting Deeper Genealogy Research
If you’re exploring Portsmouth Daily Times obits for family research, here are strategies to help you uncover more detailed information:
1. Cross-Reference Names
Check:
- Census records
- Marriage certificates
- Military databases
- Social Security death indexes
2. Track Name Variations
Nicknames, maiden names, and misspelled names can all appear in older newspaper editions.
3. Look for Patterns
Families often lived in the same neighborhoods or worked in similar local industries. Understanding context can help identify relatives.
4. Consult Local Historical Organizations
The Scioto County Public Library, Portsmouth Historical Society, and local genealogical groups maintain records not found online.
5. Explore Cemetery and Burial Databases
Sites like FindAGrave often match grave listings with obituary information from the Portsmouth Daily Times obits archive.
How Funeral Homes and Portsmouth Daily Times Work Together
Funeral homes across the region collaborate closely with the Portsmouth Daily Times to publish accurate obituary listings. This partnership ensures that families receive consistent, respectful announcements across multiple platforms.
Local funeral homes often:
- Submit obituary drafts directly to the newspaper
- Provide photos or updated service details
- Host extended obituary versions on their own websites
For readers, this means the Portsmouth Daily Times obits section remains one of the most reliable sources for current information.
Preserving the Memory of Loved Ones Online
In addition to traditional newspaper obituaries, many families now create long-term online memorials. These websites allow friends and relatives to revisit memories long after the initial obituary publication.
Common features include:
- Guest books
- Photo albums
- Tribute videos
- Donation links
Even so, the official Portsmouth Daily Times obits remain an important historical record—one that preserves essential life details that may not appear elsewhere
Alternatives and Additional Resources Beyond Portsmouth Daily Times Obits
While the newspaper’s obituary section is the most widely used source in the area, several other platforms can complement your search:
1. Local Funeral Home Websites
Many offer searchable online obituary databases.
2. Genealogy Sites
These platforms often index newspaper obituaries, historical documents, and cemetery records.
3. Social Media Tributes
Family members may share memorial posts or digital scrapbooks on Facebook or Instagram.
4. County Historical Records
Courthouses and archives sometimes hold death certificates, probate records, and more.
Together, these resources create a fuller picture than relying on Portsmouth Daily Times obits alone.
Conclusion: The Lasting Value of Portsmouth Daily Times Obits
In a world where news moves fast, the Portsmouth Daily Times obits section remains a stable, trusted resource for the Portsmouth community. Whether you’re honoring someone you loved, researching your ancestors, or exploring local history, these obituary listings offer insight, connection, and remembrance.
By understanding how to navigate the archives, what details to look for, and how to supplement your research with additional resources, you can use this information to preserve the legacies of those who came before us.
If you found this guide helpful, explore our related articles on genealogy, local history, and obituary research to learn even more.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often are Portsmouth Daily Times obits updated?
The obituary section is typically updated daily, with new listings appearing as funeral homes submit information.
2. Are older Portsmouth Daily Times obits available online?
Some archives are accessible digitally, but older editions may require visiting local libraries or contacting historical societies.
3. Do obituaries cost money to publish?
Yes. Families usually pay a publication fee determined by the newspaper and funeral home.
4. Can I submit corrections to an obituary?
Most newspapers allow families to request corrections. Contact the Portsmouth Daily Times directly for their policy.
5. What if I can’t find the obituary I need?
Try searching funeral home websites, genealogy platforms, or archived print editions.




