Archuleta County Obituary Records

Archuleta County death records are available through San Juan Basin Public Health and the Colorado Department of Public Health. San Juan Basin Public Health serves both Archuleta and La Plata Counties from their Durango office. Death certificates from 1975 forward can be requested locally. Older records require contacting the state vital records office. Archuleta County residents have multiple options for obtaining obituary and death records.

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San Juan Basin Public Health for Archuleta County

San Juan Basin Public Health provides vital records services for Archuleta County residents. Their office is at 281 Sawyer Drive, Suite 300, Durango, CO 81303. You can contact them at 970-247-5702. This facility serves Archuleta and La Plata Counties.

The health department follows standard Colorado procedures for death certificates. Current fees are $25 for the first copy and $20 for each additional copy. These rates took effect January 1, 2026. Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit cards.

Archuleta County residents can request death certificates for any Colorado county death from 1975 to present. Records from before 1975 must come from the state office. Same-day service is often available for in-person requests.

The drive from Pagosa Springs to Durango takes about an hour. Plan accordingly if you need in-person service. Call ahead to confirm hours and requirements.

Colorado State Resources for Archuleta County

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment maintains all state death records. Contact them at 303-692-2200 for assistance. Their Denver office handles mail and online requests from Archuleta County.

Under C.R.S. § 25-2-117, vital records remain confidential. Only certain individuals may obtain certified copies. You must prove your eligibility with proper documentation.

Eligible requesters include spouses, parents, children, and siblings of the deceased. Each must provide proof of relationship. Legal representatives with court orders also qualify. Insurance companies and government agencies may access records for official business.

Online ordering is available through VitalChek and GoCertificates. Additional fees apply for these services. The state ordering page shows current processing times.

Finding Archuleta County Obituaries

Local newspapers serve Archuleta County with death notices and obituaries. The Pagosa Springs Sun publishes local obituaries. Check their archives for recent and historical records. Many families also publish notices in regional papers.

The Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection offers free online access. Search for Archuleta County obituaries in historical publications. The collection includes papers from across Colorado spanning decades.

Find A Grave documents cemeteries in Archuleta County. This free resource includes burial locations and photos. Community members add memorial pages with biographical details.

The Denver Public Library maintains obituary indexes covering Colorado. Their collections may include Archuleta County residents who had Denver area connections.

Genealogy Research in Archuleta County

Family historians can find Archuleta County death records through several channels. The Colorado State Archives holds pre-1908 records. These early documents may be incomplete but offer valuable clues.

Death certificates become public records after 75 years. Records over 25 years old may be released for genealogical research. These copies bear special markings for research use only.

FamilySearch provides free guidance on Colorado genealogy. Their wiki links to databases and research tips. You can access many records from home.