How to Find and Submit Obituaries in the Marietta Times

If you’re looking for recent obituaries in the Marietta Times, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you need to honor a loved one, research a family history, or simply stay informed about community milestones, the local paper offers several convenient pathways. Below, we walk through the online portal, the print edition, and the submission process, so you can navigate the service with confidence.

Where the Obituary Section Lives Online

The Marietta Times maintains a dedicated obituary page on its website. A quick search for “obituaries” in the site’s header will drop you into a searchable archive that includes both current notices and historic entries dating back several decades. The interface lets you filter by name, date, or keyword, making it easy to locate a specific notice without scrolling through endless listings.

Each entry typically contains a headline, a photo (if provided), the full text of the tribute, funeral service details, and a link to send condolences or share the notice on social media. If the family has opted for a memorial page, you’ll also find a space for guests to leave messages and upload photos.

Accessing Print Obituaries

While the digital archive is handy, many readers still prefer the tactile feel of the printed newspaper. The Marietta Times publishes a dedicated obituary section every Tuesday and Friday, coinciding with its regular issues. This section appears in the back pages, following the sports and classifieds sections.

If you don’t have a subscription, you can pick up a copy at local vendors—grocery stores, gas stations, and the Marietta Times office itself. For those who need older notices, the paper’s microfilm collection is housed at the Marietta Public Library. Librarians can guide you to the exact reel for the date you’re interested in.

Submitting an Obituary: What You Need to Know

When a family decides to publish an obituary, the Marietta Times offers a straightforward submission process. Here’s a quick rundown of the steps you’ll encounter:

• Gather Essential Information: Full name of the deceased, dates of birth and death, surviving family members, funeral service details, and any charitable donation requests.
• Choose a Format: The paper provides both a standard template (around 150 words) and a longer, custom option for detailed life stories. Photos are optional but highly recommended.
• Contact the Obituaries Desk: Reach out by phone at (770) 555‑1234, email obits@mariettatimes.com, or use the online submission form located on the obituary page.
• Proofread and Approve: After the staff drafts the notice, you’ll receive a PDF for final approval. Minor edits are typically accommodated at no extra charge.
• Payment: Prices vary based on length, inclusion of a photo, and placement (e.g., front‑page tribute). Expect a base rate of $45 for a standard notice, with additional fees for larger formats.

Once everything is set, the obituary will appear in the next available print edition and be posted online within 24 hours.

Tips for Writing a Meaningful Tribute

Crafting an obituary can feel daunting, especially when emotions run high. Consider these practical suggestions to strike the right balance between factual details and heartfelt storytelling:

• Start with the basics: Name, age, and date of passing should lead the notice.
• Highlight key life moments: Education, career highlights, military service, and community involvement give readers a sense of the person’s legacy.
• Include personal touches: A favorite quote, hobby, or a brief anecdote can make the tribute feel intimate.
• Keep it concise: Even in a longer format, aim for clarity. Readers often skim, so clear headings or bullet points for service details help.

Understanding Privacy and Access

Obituaries are public records, but families can request limited distribution for sensitive information. The Marietta Times respects these wishes and will omit details such as exact funeral locations if requested. Additionally, the paper adheres to Georgia’s public record statutes, meaning that once published, the notice becomes part of the historical record and can be accessed by researchers.

Using Obituaries for Genealogy Research

For genealogists, the obituary archive is a treasure trove. Each notice often lists relatives, maiden names, and sometimes even birthplaces—all crucial clues for building a family tree. The Marietta Times website lets you export a citation in MLA or Chicago format, which can be handy for academic or personal projects.

Don’t overlook the “Memorials” section, where families sometimes post extended biographies. Those narratives can fill gaps that official records miss, such as immigration stories or wartime experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for an obituary to appear online after submission?

Typically, the Marietta Times posts the notice within 24 hours of receiving final approval. If you submit on a deadline day (Tuesday or Friday), the print version will appear in the next edition.

Can I request a correction after the obituary has been published?

Yes. Contact the obituaries desk as soon as you notice an error. Minor typographical changes are usually corrected in the following day's online update, while larger revisions may incur a re‑print fee.

Is there a way to view archived obituaries for free?

Online archives for the past 12 months are freely accessible. For older notices, you can visit the Marietta Public Library’s microfilm collection at no charge, though some libraries may charge a nominal fee for remote requests.

Do I need to be a subscriber to read the digital obituaries?

No subscription is required. The obituary page is open to the public, though occasional premium features—like advanced search filters—may be available to subscribers.

Whether you’re honoring a family member, researching local history, or simply staying connected to the Marietta community, the Marietta Times makes the obituary process transparent and user‑friendly. By understanding the available options—online, in print, and via direct submission—you can ensure that each tribute receives the respect and visibility it deserves.