Finding information about someone who has passed away in Central Montana often leads you to one specific place. For over a century, the Lewistown News Argus obits have served as the primary record for Fergus County. Whether you're a local checking on a neighbor or a genealogy buff tracking down a Great-Uncle from the 1920s, this newspaper is basically the "gold standard" for the region.
It’s more than just a list of names. Honestly, these records are the heartbeat of the community. They tell stories of homesteaders, veterans, and small-town legends. But if you've ever tried to dig through online archives or figure out how to submit a notice yourself, it can feel a bit overwhelming. Let's break down how it actually works.
How to Find Recent Lewistown News Argus Obits
If you're looking for someone who passed away in the last few weeks, your best bet is the digital side of things. The Lewistown News-Argus partners with Legacy.com to host their modern obituary section. It's updated pretty much as soon as the paper goes to press.
You can search by first and last name, but here’s a tip: sometimes the search is finicky. If you can’t find a name, try searching by just the last name and filtering for "Lewistown, MT." This is helpful because some people might have lived in nearby towns like Moore, Hobson, or Winifred, but their notice still appeared in the News-Argus.
Kinda handy, right?
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Digital Tools and Apps
The paper actually has its own mobile app (available on iOS and Android). While it's mostly for current headlines, it includes an e-Edition that looks exactly like the printed paper. If you want to see the obituary exactly as it appeared on the page—photos and all—the e-Edition is the way to go.
Digging into the Archives: Genealogy and History
Now, if you're looking for something from fifty years ago, the process changes. The Lewistown News-Argus has a long history, evolving from the Fergus County Argus (founded way back in 1881).
To find older Lewistown News Argus obits, you'll want to check these spots:
- The Montana History Portal: This is a massive resource. They have cemetery records for Fergus County dating from 1887 to 2001.
- Chronicling America: The Library of Congress has digitized many issues of the Fergus County Argus from 1886 through 1946. It’s free and honestly fun to browse even if you aren't looking for a specific person.
- Local Libraries: The Central Montana Genealogical Society often has microfilm available at the Lewistown Public Library. Sometimes the old-fashioned way—scrolling through reels of film—is the only way to find those niche records from the mid-century.
How to Submit an Obituary
Maybe you aren't looking for an obit, but need to place one. It’s a tough time, and the last thing you want is a complicated process.
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The News-Argus is published twice weekly—every Wednesday and Saturday. Because of this schedule, you have to be mindful of deadlines. Usually, you’ll want to get your text and photos in at least 48 hours before the publication date.
What’s the Cost?
Pricing can change, but generally, a standard obituary starts around $28.00. This usually includes a local print run and a permanent online memorial on Legacy. If you want to add multiple photos or write a very long life story, the price goes up based on the "column inch" (basically, how much space it takes up on the physical page).
You can submit these directly through the paper’s website or by calling their office at 406-535-3401. Most local funeral homes, like Cloyd or Creel, will actually handle this for you as part of their service. It’s one less thing for you to worry about during a stressful week.
Why These Records Actually Matter
Some people think obituaries are a thing of the past. They aren't. In a place like Lewistown, the newspaper is still a central hub. When someone passes, the community wants to know the details of the service at Zion Lutheran Church or where to send memorials.
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These notices also serve as a legal record. They often list surviving family members, which is vital for probate and settling estates. But mostly, they’re about memory. Reading a notice for someone like MaryAnn Bucsis or Eddy Awbery reminds us of the specific, gritty, and beautiful history of Central Montana life—from nursing schools in the '50s to serving in the National Guard.
Getting Results Right Now
If you are stuck and can't find a specific record, here is exactly what you should do next.
First, check the Legacy.com browse page specifically for the Lewistown News-Argus. If it’s not there and the death was recent, call the funeral home directly. They almost always keep a copy of the service folder or the obituary text on their own "Current Services" page.
For historical searches, head over to the Montana History Portal. Search for the surname and "Fergus County." If the person was buried in the Lewistown City Cemetery or Mount Calvary, their name will show up in the burial indexes even if the full newspaper text isn't digitized yet.
Lastly, if you're doing deep family research, contact the Central Montana Genealogical Society. They are volunteers, but they know these archives better than anyone and can often point you to the exact microfilm reel you need.