The obituary for a relative did not leave out any of her children. It did leave out the first husband from whom she was divorced. It left out the second husband who died a few years into their marriage. It did mention her final husband (who was her third). Sometimes obituaries leave out more than they include. The obituary did include the last names for her children, which (based on the last name of one son) suggested there was at least one relationship other than the third husband.
Always transcribe obituaries as written and include them in your records as written. Use them in your research as clues. Do not assume all given facts are accurate and do not assume they are complete. No matter what you call leaving something out, those omitted clues often matter.
2 Responses
I have two ancestors who have the incorrect parents’ names in their obituaries. Both were the youngest in their families, their parents had been deceased a long time, and they had lived many years. Whoever wrote the obituary and gave the information for the death certificates just didn’t know who they were.
A newer set of obituaries for a couple I once knew left out the names of all of their daughters. I couldn’t help but wonder what had happened. They had at least three girls, I believe. The boys’ names were given.
Some families / obituaries also list step-children as their own and that can also cause confusion. Especially if previous marriages aren’t listed.