Local vs. Major Newspapers

Local papers, serving smaller communities or regional areas, typically offer the most affordable options. Basic notices in small-town or suburban publications often start around $200–$400 for a short text-only obituary running one day. These rates reflect lower circulation and printing costs, making them accessible for families notifying nearby friends and relatives. In some smaller markets, very brief death notices (just name, dates, and service info) might even be free or under $100, though full obituaries with biographical details push into the higher end of that range.

In contrast, major metropolitan or national newspapers charge significantly more due to higher production expenses, larger audiences, and prestige. For instance, the Los Angeles Times averages $1,000–$1,500 for a standard obituary, with basic placements starting around $205 but escalating quickly. The New York Times begins at about $263 for the first few lines, plus $50+ per additional line, easily surpassing $1,000 for anything detailed. The Wall Street Journal can exceed $1,000 for national runs, with regional options starting lower around $200. These premium papers treat obituaries as paid classifieds, charging per line, inch, or column—often resulting in bills that shock grieving families.

Additional Costs: Photos and Extras

Want to include a photo? That’s an extra layer of expense. Adding a black-and-white or color image typically costs $25–$250, depending on size, quality, and the paper—smaller local ones on the lower end, big-city publications pushing toward the higher. Color photos, larger formats, or multiple images drive prices up further. Running the obituary on premium days (like Sundays) or for multiple days also multiplies the total, sometimes doubling or tripling the base rate.

Why are these costs so high? Newspapers have faced declining print readership and advertising revenue for decades, leading many to monetize obituary sections aggressively. What was once a community service is now a revenue stream, charged like ads. Average U.S. newspaper obituaries in 2025 fall around $200–$500 overall, but longer tributes in urban areas routinely hit $800+.

Emotional and Practical Burden

Who wants to haggle over line counts, photo fees, or deadlines while navigating profound grief? Families often feel pressured to keep obituaries short to control costs, sacrificing heartfelt stories about a loved one’s achievements, quirks, or legacy. This can feel like commodifying a final tribute, adding emotional weight to an already overwhelming process.

Affordable Alternatives: Online Options

Fortunately, modern alternatives exist that are far more affordable and flexible. Online obituaries on dedicated platforms or funeral home sites often cost $50–$100 (or even free in basic forms), with no word limits, unlimited photos, videos, or guestbooks for condolences. These digital tributes reach wider audiences via social media shares, remain permanently accessible, and allow edits anytime. Many newspapers now include online versions with print placements at little extra cost, or families opt for online-only to save hundreds.

Recommendation

Why burden yourself with inflated newspaper fees during such a vulnerable time? Explore user-friendly online options that honor your loved one fully without the financial sting. Hit up this page and see what it really costs for you here—you’ll likely find a compassionate, cost-effective solution that lets you focus on celebrating a life well-lived, not counting characters and worrying about your wallet, purse, or another credit card bill.

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After a life remarkable in length and love, Charles Fox died at the age of 102 on Monday, June 24, 2024, at the home of his longtime partner, Peggy Cowherd, in Temecula, Calif.

Charlie was born on May 20, 1922, in the Bronx, N.Y., to Jeannetta and Joseph Fox. He was the oldest sibling to Al, Sam and Rita and would always give Rita, the youngest, 25 cents to go to the movie theater. His father was a plumber and, not wanting to go into that trade, Charlie decided to work as a lithographer. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II in the South Pacific and in Washington, D.C., where he used his plumbing and printing skills, respectively.

In 1947, he married Claire, a bookkeeper from Brooklyn, N.Y. They moved to North Bellmore, Long Island, where they raised two sons, Joe and Stuart, along with fish, a dog named Jiggsy and a series of canaries all named Sunny. Charlie loved and worked hard at his job at LaSalle Industries, always trying to improve the business. He retired at age 60 and was roasted by his colleagues with poems and jibes that captured their admiration for Charlie.

Charlie played golf and bridge well into retirement, eventually becoming a respected bridge Ruby Life Master. Charlie and Claire moved to Margate, Fla., and then to Sun City, Calif., where they were active in the community pool and bridge clubs. It was in California that Charlie took up lawn bowling, which he continued playing well into his golden years — not doing too bad for a 90-year-old. He did crossword puzzles until, as he put it, “they started making them too hard” — but he persisted in watching “Jeopardy!” He never finished a family meal without smacking his lips and declaring, “Good shtuff!”

After Claire passed away in 2003, Charlie had to learn how to fend for himself. Luckily, he found companionship with fellow bridge player Peggy Cowherd, starting a second chapter of his life. He and Peggy enjoyed traveling and spending time with their blended families. The Owenses of Temecula, Calif., treated Charlie like one of their own. At his 100th birthday party, Charlie looked back on his life with amazement, doling out sage and silly advice.

Charlie is survived by his partner, Peggy; son Joe and his wife, Kathi, of Romoland, Calif.; and son Stuart and his wife, Joan, of Clifton Park, N.Y. He was also loved by his three grandchildren: Michele and her partner, Chuck, of Fayetteville, Ark.; Adam and his wife, Shannon, of Athens, Ga.; and Carolyn and her husband, Dave, of Essex Junction, Vt.

Charlie will be interred at Riverside National Cemetery in California.

We will miss him dearly but are thankful his long life was filled with “good shtuff.”

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James Gill, 77, passed away peacefully at home Monday, February 19, 2024 after a long illness.

   Jim was born in Akron Ohio and moved south years ago, and currently resided in Palm Beach County Florida. He had a successful career in sales and marketing, retiring 6 years ago. Jim was a voracious reader, loved the theatre and a wide genre of music, enjoyed walks on the beach, and reveled in car races. Not an ounce of shyness, a gregarious character who could spin any line into a hysterical story; he was the epitome of the life of the party.

   Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Aelred and Glady Gill, brothers, Dennis and Chris. He is survived by his loving wife Hollie, his children, Sean, Kevin, Jenny, and Mary, 6 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and sister, Marsha.

   No funeral or memorial service is planned; cremation has taken place.  

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George S Haynes met his Lord and Savior on February 27, 2024, passing away following a brief illness and surrounded by his wife Rose and his children. Born in Brooklyn, New York on May 8, 1943, and raised in Bay Ridge, he forever carried fond memories of his childhood days growing up near Fort Hamilton and watching the ships sailing by the bay and soldiers marching in step. These memories were strong, despite his tender age. His family moved to North Bennington, Vermont in December of 1946 where they remained and where George and his brother Rick were raised.

In 1961, he began what would become a lifelong banking career, working in the bookkeeping department at Vermont Bank and Trust Company (now TD Bank). He quickly rose through the ranks, and by the age of 21 was named assistant manager. In 1967, at the age of 24, he became a branch manager and assistant treasurer, becoming the youngest to achieve an officer’s position in the bank’s history.

In 1977, George embarked on an endeavor that would define his style and compassion for the rest of his life, helping people financially by establishing an office of Consumer Credit Counseling, a nonprofit whose only concern was to help people manage debt without family or personal disaster. He initially served as Advisory Board Chairman and later was elected to serve on the board of directors. In 1985, he became President of the organization and remained in this position until 2008.

In 1982, George was asked to cover the retail credit department in Brattleboro. While this was intended to be a short term assignment, he remained for ten years, moving to Brattleboro and making it his forever home. During these ten years he rose through the ranks once again, eventually becoming Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Vermont Mortgage Group, and Senior Vice President of First Vermont Bank, both part of what is now TD Bank.

In 1991, George was approached by the search committee of The Brattleboro Savings and Loan and on January 27, 1992 he became President and Chief Executive Officer, serving until his retirement on December 31, 2007. Under his stewardship, the bank experienced unprecedented growth and received numerous awards and recognition, including two Community Bank Awards (in 2006 in recognition of its Community Person of the Month program, and in 2007 in recognition of Project Feed the Thousands). BS&L was voted the Best Bank in Brattleboro in the Brattleboro Reformer Readers Choice Awards in both 2006 and 2007 and was recognized by Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility as the 2007 recipient of its socially responsible Small Business of the Year.

George was very proud of the programs that he instituted during his tenure at BS&L, including Community Appreciation Day, the Community People Award, the establishment of a living wage policy for all employees, the commitment to donate 10% of net profits to local organizations, and first and foremost the establishment of Project Feed the Thousands in 1994. A stalwart of the Brattleboro community, George served on numerous boards and donated his time to a number of community organizations and services.

George’s retirement was predicated by a trip to China in April 2007, sponsored by the UVM Asian Studies Outreach Program. George was invited to join educators and students to learn more about education in China and to share his insights based on his commitment and experience with the bank branch at BUHS and Windham Regional Career Center. He suddenly gained new perspective and realized that there was a whole world out there waiting to be explored and he wanted to be a part of it.

A lifelong baseball and sports fan, George played semi-pro ball as a teenager and then became the power-hitter for local softball team BS&L where he helped the team win two championships. One of the main joys of his life was traveling around the country and Canada visiting ball fields with his son George, Jr. Although they did not make it to all 32 parks, they shared some special memories in the quest. He was, of course, thrilled to see his beloved Red Sox win the World Championship in 2004, and several more times thereafter.

On March 9, 2010, in St Augustine FL, George married Rose (Robertson) Cavanagh, the love of his life and forever soul mate. Together, they traveled the world and shared many wonderful adventures. His 70th birthday was spent in Bora Bora in an overwater bungalow in the lagoon. In addition to their international travels, George and Rose were proud to say that they had visited every state, taking two extended cross-country road trips in 2012 and 2015. Rose was his companion and partner and they built a beautiful life together. They made a point to spend time with family, including with his daughter Tiffany Finck-Haynes in Washington, DC and his son George and family in Cambridge, NY. He embraced Rose’s entire family, becoming a father to Rose’s four children, and was a beloved Pop-Pop and Grampa George to his many grandchildren and step-grandchildren.

George is survived by his wife Rose; his children Robin Haynes Gardner, George Spencer Haynes, Jr., (Eileen), Tiffany Finck-Haynes (Jorge Aguilar) and Spencer Haynes; and Melissa Cavanagh, Stephanie Cavanagh, Jessica Doleszny (John) and Gregory Cavanagh (Starr Bruce), along with many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Rick Haynes (Sue); and by George, Jr., and Robin’s mother, Leona Center. A man that truly embraced his extended family, he is also survived by his mother-in-law, Irma Robertson, along with many, many members of both the Robertson and Cavanagh families. He was predeceased by his father Spencer Haynes and his treasured mother Roberta Stultz Haynes.

George was confident, courageous, intelligent, generous, and funny. He had nicknames for everyone. He could be very firm in his opinions and he loved a good debate. Even until his death, he lived his life on his own terms. Like the Chairman of the Board, he did things his way. His family, his dear friends, and the entire Brattleboro Community mourn his loss but will cherish many fond memories forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that anyone wishing to honor George’s legacy consider making a donation to Project Feed the Thousands, a not-for-profit organization whose sole goal is to provide food for local families. Along with his wife Rose, George remained active in Project Feed the Thousands from its inception in 1994 until 2024. He was very proud that, through his efforts and the efforts of the board and staff, they were able to serve (and continue to serve) thousands upon thousands of families, too many to put a number on. Checks can be mailed to Project Feed the Thousands, c/o 802 Credit Union, PO Box 8366, Brattleboro, VT 05304.

A celebration of George’s life will be held at the VFW on Black Mountain Rd., in Brattleboro, Vermont on Saturday, March 23rd, beginning at 2PM. His family invites everyone who knew and loved George to join them for light refreshments, fellowship, and the sharing of stories and memories – ‘For All The Right Reasons’.

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Linda Strittmatter Van Ost, age 69, of North Tustin, California, passed away on February 21, 2024.  Born on November 17, 1954, in Cleveland, Ohio, she was raised in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. 

For 30 years, Linda was the President of Rehab 90, the Rehabilitation Professionals, and Return to Work Solutions.  She and her husband Lanse developed the business and supervised over 45 employees providing statewide vocational services to employers.

She graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Phi Beta Kappa, with a degree in economics. 

Most of all:  Linda was an amazing mother. 

She was a remarkable woman who embraced six of us in our twenties, seamlessly weaving herself into the fabric of our lives with an incomparable warmth. Her presence soon became irreplaceable, embodying the very essence of love, patience, and kindness. As a grandmother, her boundless love enriched our lives with gentle lessons and moments of pure joy. Her spirit, a profound testament to the depth of her love and the breadth of her kindness, has left an indelible mark on our hearts. She illuminated the beauty of chosen bonds and the limitless capacity of the human heart to love and nurture. Her legacy, characterized by unwavering kindness and gentle grace, remains a beacon of light, guiding us to emulate the gentle yet strong woman she was.

Linda fell in love in Lanse.  He fell in love with her.  Linda embodied maternal love, care, and compassion. What was truly remarkable is that her love for him extended to his SIX children and their grandchildren regardless of the circumstances. She approached ALL of Lanse’s children and grandchildren with open arms and an open heart offering whatever they needed, shelter, food, love, help with math, etc.     She is a beacon to all the Van Ost kids, a true north star.  We are exceptionally lucky that she fell in love with Lanse and US, and she will always be a part of who we are.       

Linda is survived by her beloved husband, Lanse Van Ost, and their dogs, Teddy and Lilly, who are still waiting for her to return. 

Other than the dogs, the pride and joy of her life was their children and grandchildren:   Jeffery Van Dover and his sons, Brandon and Darin; Jeremy Van Ost; Stacy Vanost Davis and her husband, Dustin, and their children Grace, Micah, Dekker, and Evelyn;  Alicia Van Ost Talsma and her husband, Noah, and their children Tyler and Jennalee; Lisa Shirley and her husband, Steve, and their children, Kyle and Quinn; and Steve Jacobson and his wife Kristen and their children, Jordyn and Gannon.  

Linda will also be greatly missed by her best friend and sister, Marsha Clive and her husband, Wayne along with her niece and nephews: Jeri Alten and her daughters, Madilynn and Morgan; John Cliive and his wife, Yolanda and their children Alina, Kaden and Sofia: Corey Clive and his wife Katie and their children Kali, Cami, Keegan and Kendall: Kevin Clive and his wife Ashley and their children Charlie & Stella.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents Charles W. Strittmatter (2012) and Ruth Gaines Strittmatter (2017).   And Eddie, her first love, and Misty and Cali Party Girl, who gave her much joy and aggravation at work every day.

Donations in her honor should be sent to ASPCA:  https://secure.aspca.org/donate/donate

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George Leroy Coombs Jr., a man with a twinkle in his eye and a wrench in his hand, passed away peacefully on February 20th, 2024 at the age of 66. Born in Newburyport, Massachusetts on December 4, 1957, he grew up in Amesbury, MA where he spent his youth cruising down backroads on motorcycles and tinkering in the garage, a passion that stayed with him throughout his life.

Friends and strangers alike will have agreed on George’s mischievous spirit and his gift for gab, where he could strike up conversations with anyone and leave them feeling like lifelong friends. But his greatest joy came later, surrounded by the laughter of his six grandchildren: Oliver, Alexander, Daniel, Olivia, Liliana, and Aaliyah. The grandchildren often teased their playful “Grampy,” calling him “Grumpy,” knowing he was anything but! George was always up for an adventure, whether it was camping, rebuilding an antique car, fixing up his new house, or riding his beloved Harley Davidson through country roads (a hobby he shared with his son Daniel and several of his long-time childhood friends).

George Leroy Coombs Jr’s legacy lives on in the hearts of his son, Daniel Coombs and his wife Megan of Frankfort, NY; his daughter Allison of Manchester, NH; his sisters, Christine Jones and her husband Jeff of Deerfield, NH, and Sharon Malone, also of Deerfield, NH; and many other loving family members and friends. He was a practical joker, a skilled mechanic, and a true family man who will be deeply missed.

A celebration of life is being planned for Spring 2024 in the Amesbury, MA area.

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Abby Coppernoll, 42, was a caring, loving, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt and Friend to many. She left this world suddenly on November 2, 2023 to be with her Heavenly Father.
Abigail Lee Coppernoll was born May 12, 1981 to parents Denny and Jan Coppernoll of Menomonie, Wisconsin. Abby loved the outdoors, sunny beaches, pontooning, rides in the Side X Side, being around people, and all of Gods creatures. Her beautiful smile, bubbly personality and contagious laugh will be dearly missed by all that knew her.
Abby is survived by her daughter, Mona Biondich of Blanchard, OK, parents Denny and Jan Coppernoll, brothers Aaron (Leah), Andrew (Lindsay), Coppernoll, partner Matt Schauer and family, 7 nieces and nephews, numerous loving friendships as well as her furry friends.
A celebration of Abby’s life will be held May 11, 2024, 1-4:00 p.m. at Jake’s Supper Club, Menomonie, WI. Invitation is open to all that shared in Abby’s life.

“Never. We never lose our loved ones. They accompany us; they don’t disappear from our lives.
We are merely in different rooms.” Paulo Coelho

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Steuben, Maine – Donna Rae Kyler, born August 26, 1956 to Rev. A William and Jeanne Kyler went to be with the Lord on October 28, 2023. She was a graduate of Zion Bible Institute in Rhode Island and also attended Central Bible College in Missouri. She was fluent in American sign language and had a desire to help the disadvantaged. She went out of her way to help friends and family whenever they had a need and she loved her cats and dog. Donna was introduced to her husband Roger Hoar by his sister who was Donna’s good friend. She worked with the elderly in healthcare settings for many years and also drove school bus later on in her career. She faced many health related difficulties of her own throughout her life but she never doubted God’s Providential care for her. She was faithful in prayer, church attendance, and in reading her Bible. She leaves behind many family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

Donna is survived by her husband Roger Hoar, her daughter Alexis Kunz, her mother L Jeanne Kyler, siblings Dave (Paula) Kyler, Dana (Barb) Kyler, Rev. Chad (Laurie) Kyler, her grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father Rev. A William Kyler, and her brother Robert M Kyler.

Donna Rae Kyler enjoyed reading, crafting, DIY projects, needlepoint, embroidery, trivia games, and watching movies.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday December 9th 11:00am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 53 W. Falls Rd. West Falls, NY 14170.

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