Getting Your Family Notice Published in the Valley Breeze
Most people don't realize how much time passes between a death and needing to submit an obituary. The Valley Breeze runs on a tight schedule, and their obit section has specific requirements that aren't always obvious until you're already behind. The Valley Breeze has built a reputation for treating their obituary section with genuine care rather than rushing through it. That matters when you're already stressed. Their process is straightforward once you know the workflow, but missing a single detail can push your submission to the next week's edition. I've helped families through this process enough times to know where things usually go sideways. Here's what actually works.
How to Prepare Your Submission
Start by gathering the basic information before you call or email. The Valley Breeze typically needs the full legal name of the deceased, date of death, age, and a brief biographical sketch. They also want to know about survivors and predeceased family members, funeral service details, and where memorials can be directed. One thing most people overlook is the photograph. You can submit a digital image, but it needs to meet certain resolution standards. I've seen low-quality phone photos get rejected or look terrible in print. Send a high-resolution image, preferably from a proper camera. Something at least 300 DPI at the size they'll print it. A good headshot works better than a casual snapshot. The word count matters too. The standard obituary slot runs about 200 to 300 words. Going significantly over that usually means paying extra or getting sections cut. I've had families draft something touching and then realized it was nearly double the length. Trim it down before submitting. The editors appreciate it and it moves faster.
Common Pitfalls That Cause Delays
The biggest issue I see is families submitting after the deadline without realizing it. The Valley Breeze typically closes obituary submissions around midday on the day before publication. If you miss that window, your notice goes to the following edition. That's roughly seven days, sometimes longer depending on holidays or special sections. Another problem is incorrect spelling of names, especially for surviving family members. I learned this the hard way when a family submitted an obituary with a brother's name misspelled. The correction process added an extra day, and by then the funeral had already happened. Always triple-check every name and date against official documents before you send anything in. Payment terms are another area where people get caught off guard. The Valley Breeze requires payment at the time of submission for most obituaries. They accept credit cards, checks, and sometimes cash. If you're working with a funeral home, confirm whether they're handling payment or if you need to do it directly. Some funeral directors will include it in their package, but not all do.
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What Makes This Section Different
Unlike larger metropolitan newspapers where obituaries can feel templated and impersonal, the Valley Breeze staff tends to know the families they publish for. That doesn't mean they're going to bend the rules, but it does mean they're more likely to reach out if something looks off rather than just running with an error. I've had editors call me to verify a relationship or clarify a date. It's annoying in the moment but honestly a good thing. The compassion angle isn't just marketing. When a family is dealing with loss in a small community, these notices are read by people who actually knew the deceased. The Valley Breeze seems to understand that. They allow for personal touches that bigger papers might edit out. You can include hobbies, military service, church involvement, or what made someone unique to their neighbors. Just keep it respectful and accurate.
Alternative Options If You Miss the Window
If you've already missed the Valley Breeze deadline, there are other avenues. Some families choose to place notices in regional papers or online memorial platforms. The Valley Breeze also allows online-only submissions which sometimes have different cutoff times. Call their editorial office directly and ask about your options rather than assuming you've lost the chance entirely. Another consideration is whether to publish a full obituary or a simpler death notice. Death notices are shorter, cheaper, and sometimes have more flexible deadlines. If your main goal is just informing the community, a death notice might be sufficient and easier to get into print quickly. The best approach is to start the process as soon as practically possible. Don't wait for the perfect wording or the ideal photo. Get the basics in, refine later if needed, and make sure you're submitting well ahead of the deadline. The Valley Breeze obituary team handles these submissions regularly and can guide you through the specifics, but they need time to work with you.
