The phrase refers to the obituary section published by the Belleville News-Democrat, a newspaper serving the Belleville, Illinois area and the surrounding St. Clair County. This section provides notices of deaths, often including biographical information, funeral service details, and expressions of condolence from family and friends. It serves as a public record of passing and a space for remembrance.
These announcements are important for several reasons. They provide vital information to the community regarding deaths, enabling individuals to pay their respects. Furthermore, they serve as historical documentation, preserving details of individuals’ lives for genealogical research and future generations. Historically, newspapers have been a primary source for such announcements, acting as a central point for distributing this information within a community.