Finding a specific notice in the Kansas City Star obits today isn't always as simple as a quick Google search might lead you to believe. If you're looking for a friend, a former coworker, or a distant relative, you've probably noticed that the digital trail can be a bit fragmented. One minute you’re on the official newspaper site, and the next, you’re redirected to Legacy or a funeral home page. It’s a lot. Honestly, the way we track local passings in KC has changed radically over the last few years, and if you aren't looking in the right spot, you might miss the service details entirely.
Why Finding Kansas City Star Obits Today Can Be Tricky
The reality is that "today's" obituaries often include people who passed away a week or even ten days ago. Families need time to process, coordinate with funeral directors, and actually write the tribute. For instance, in the listings for January 18, 2026, you'll find names like Elinor M. Deming, who passed on January 8, and Jill Tracy Draper, who passed on January 12.
There is a lag.
Most people expect a 24-hour turnaround, but the Star’s publication schedule and the high cost of print mean notices are often batched for specific days—usually Sundays. If you’re searching for someone and nothing pops up, don’t panic. They might just be scheduled for the next print cycle.
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Breaking Down the Current Listings
As of this Sunday, several prominent Kansas City figures and long-time residents are being remembered.
- Jill Tracy Draper, 72, a St. Louis native who became a fixture in the KC community, is among the primary listings today. Her service is being handled by Mt. Moriah, Newcomer and Freeman Funeral Home.
- Elinor M. Deming, who reached the incredible age of 95, is also featured. Though she passed in St. Charles, Illinois, her deep roots in the Kansas City area prompted a full tribute in the Star.
- Keith Young and Ronald "Ronnie" Baker are also appearing in recent updates, with Baker's family directing people to Louis Memorial Chapel for further details.
It’s worth noting that the "obituary" you see online is often a different beast than the "death notice" in the physical paper. The digital version is usually longer, more expensive for the family, and searchable for years. The print version? That’s for the folks who still like to hold the news in their hands over coffee.
The Cost Factor: Why Some Names Are Missing
A lot of people get frustrated when they can't find a loved one's name in the Kansas City Star obits today. They assume the person wasn't "prominent" enough. That’s rarely the case. Usually, it’s about the money.
Back in the day, the Star offered a few lines for free. Those days are long gone. As of now, placing a full obituary in the Kansas City Star starts at around $267.14. And that’s just the starting point. If you want a photo (which most people do) or if the life story runs long, that price climbs fast. We're talking $68 per column inch in some cases.
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Because of these costs, many KC families are opting for "Online Only" memorials or simply letting the funeral home host the obituary on their own website. If you can’t find a name in the Star, try searching the websites of local heavyweights like Dignity Memorial, Floral Hills, or Watkins Heritage Chapel. Often, the full story is there for free, while the Star only gets a tiny, two-line mention.
How to Search Like a Pro
If you are strictly looking for Kansas City Star obits today, the most direct route is through their partnership with Legacy.com. However, Google’s "Discover" feed often picks up these notices based on your location, which is why they might randomly pop up on your phone.
Pro-Tips for the Search
- Check the "Obituaries Newsletter": The Star actually sends out a dedicated email. If you’re a local history buff or just like to keep up with the community, this is the most reliable way to see who has passed without fighting the website's paywalls or pop-ups.
- Use Variations of the Name: I’ve seen countless searches fail because someone used "Robert" when the obituary was filed under "Bob."
- Broaden the Geography: Remember that the Star covers a massive footprint. You’ll find people from Liberty, Leawood, Basehor, and even St. Charles. Don’t limit your search strictly to "Kansas City, MO" filters.
- The "Classifieds" Trick: Sometimes, if a family doesn’t want to pay for a full-color obituary, they’ll place a "Death Notice" in the classified section. It’s cheaper and gets the job done. These don’t always show up in the main "Obituaries" tab on the website, so you have to dig a little deeper into the digital replica of the paper.
Notable Recent Passings in the KC Area
Looking back at the last week, the community has lost several individuals who shaped the local landscape. Nolan D. Plymell, 87, of Lee's Summit, and Hazel Irene Lonon, 96, are among the veterans of the region who recently passed.
Then there’s the case of Jimmy "Stub" Robert Wiltfong, who passed at 83. He was a pressman who spent his life in the printing field—the very industry that produces these obituaries. Seeing a printer’s obituary in the paper they might have once helped produce feels like the end of an era for Kansas City’s blue-collar history.
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Actionable Steps for Finding Someone Today
If you need to find a specific notice right now, follow these steps to save yourself some headache:
- Go directly to the Star's Legacy portal. Don't just type names into a generic search engine; the portal allows you to filter by "Last 24 Hours" or "Last 7 Days."
- Check the Funeral Home site first. If you know which home is handling the arrangements (like Muehlebach or Park Lawn), go to their "Current Services" page. It’s updated faster than the newspaper.
- Use the "Guest Book" feature. If you find the obit but missed the service, the Legacy Guest Book often stays open for weeks. It’s a good way to reach out to the family if you don't have their home address.
- Verify the Service Date. Do not assume the service is "today" just because the obit appeared today. For example, Lou Ann Bowles has her visitation scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, even though her notice is running now.
By understanding that the Kansas City Star obits today are a mix of recent losses and delayed tributes, you can navigate the search more effectively. The landscape of local news is changing, but the tradition of honoring Kansas City's residents remains a vital part of the city's social fabric.