Tracking down Ridgway Record obituaries today isn't always as simple as a quick Google search. Honestly, if you're looking for someone from Elk County, you've probably noticed that local news can be a bit fragmented. One minute you're on a newspaper site, the next you're spiraling through a third-party memorial page. It’s kinda frustrating when you just want to find service times or offer condolences to a neighbor.
People often assume the local paper's website is the only spot to look. That's a mistake. While the Ridgway Record has served this slice of Pennsylvania since the late 1800s, the way we read about those we've lost has shifted.
Where the records actually live
If you are looking for an update right this second, you have to look at a few specific places. Most families in Ridgway and Johnsonburg still use the traditional paper, but the digital trail is where the meat of the information is.
Basically, the Ridgway Record partners with Legacy.com to host their digital archives. If a death notice was published in the print edition this morning, it usually hits the Legacy portal within a few hours. For instance, recent listings for the week of January 17, 2026, include local names like Brian L. Geyer and Jaretta Mentzer, both of whom had deep roots in the Ridgway community.
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But don't stop there.
Local funeral homes often post the full obituary before the newspaper even hits the stands. In Ridgway, you're likely looking at Thompson Funeral Home on Center Street or Krise Family Funeral Homes. Up the road in Johnsonburg, Ubel Funeral Home is the go-to. These directors are the ones who actually write the text, and they usually upload it to their own "Tribute" walls first.
Why today’s obituaries look different
Obituaries aren't just dry lists of survivors anymore. They’ve become much more personal. You'll see mentions of a person's favorite fishing spot on the Clarion River or their "legendary" Sunday pasta sauce.
- The Cost Factor: Families are paying more for these notices than you'd think. A basic listing in the Ridgway Record starts around $75, but that price climbs fast if you add a photo or extra paragraphs.
- The Verification: You can't just call up and post an obituary for a prank. The paper requires verification from a funeral home or a death certificate.
- The Reach: Because Ridgway is a small town, these notices often serve as the "town square." It’s how people find out about the viewing at St. Leo Magnus or a celebration of life at the local fire hall.
Searching the archives
What if you aren't looking for someone who passed today? Maybe you're doing genealogy.
The Ridgway Record archives are scattered. For stuff from 2008 to 2026, NewsBank is your best bet. It’s a paid service, but it’s the most complete digital record of the actual newspaper pages. For anything older—we’re talking 19th-century stuff—you’ll want to visit the Elk County Courthouse or the Ridgway Public Library. They have the microfilm. It's dusty, sure, but it's the only way to find those 100-year-old stories.
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Common pitfalls in your search
The biggest mistake? Spelling. Names like "Polaski" or "Allegretto" are common in Elk County, but they get misspelled in digital databases all the time. If you can’t find a name, try searching just the last name and "Ridgway" or "Johnsonburg."
Also, watch the dates. A "death notice" is usually a short blurb published immediately (think: name, date, and service time). The "obituary" is the longer story that might not appear until three or four days later. If you don't see it today, check back on Tuesday. Local papers in rural PA often have different printing schedules than the big city dailies.
How to submit a notice
If you’re the one tasked with writing one, keep it simple. You don't need to be a poet.
- Start with the basics: Full name, age, town of residence, and date of death.
- Include the "Why": Mention their career at the tanneries or the powdered metal plants—that’s the local history.
- Check the deadline: For the Ridgway Record, you usually need to have the copy in by early afternoon to make the next day’s paper. You can reach the obituary desk at (888) 823-8554 if you’re using the Legacy partner service.
Actionable Next Steps:
To find a specific record right now, start by checking the Krise Family Funeral Home or Thompson Funeral Home websites directly. If the person was a veteran or a prominent member of the community, check the River 98.9 news site, as they often cross-post major local announcements. For official records like death certificates for legal purposes, you must contact the Elk County Register and Recorder’s Office at 300 Center Street; they handle records dating back to 1893.