How to trace people in the USA

[Judd]

Can I pick people's brains please? Brief history:-
My late father had a American penpal since his junior school days. They corresponded for years and years and his penpal, Bob, finally came over for a visit in the 1980's with his wife Laura. My dad died in 1997 and my mum kept up the correspondence with them. However, late last year my mum had her last letter returned marked "gone away" and has been trying to get in touch with the couple ever since. Their phone line is now dead, she has sent a letter to the Oregon police department which has never been replied to, and she has sent letters to neighbours on both sides asking if the couple have moved away. I think she is upset that the relationship has been cut short so abruptly and for no reason - there was obviously much love and shared history between the 2 couples.
Can anybody suggest any other means by which she may find out whether they have moved away or (as I'm sure my mum fears) something very sad has happened (Bob and Laura would be in their mid 80's by now).
Thanks very much for any suggestions...

How about contacting the local newspaper?

They always seem keen to print articles like this & I am sure that someone who knew them or their families would see it & get in touch.

Thanks for that idea. Have googled Oregon newspapers and e mailed my mum the link. It would be SO brilliant if she could trace them...

Judd - contacting the paper is a good idea but be prepared for bad news maybe. My dad knew a Candian bloke when they were in their 20's . About 5 years ago an ad appeared in our local paper for my dad to get in contact with him but, sadly, my dad had been dead for 10 years by then. Didn't mean to bring down the mood but...

Where at in Oregon, Judd? I'm in southern Oregon, used to come from Portland and my mom works for an attorney that has a program that is able to find people (not all people, though). Don't ask the police, their budget is cut so short they don't have enough people to catch the criminals, much less do anuthing else.

Could it be possible they have gone to a nursing home?

Try people.yahoo.com/

If the names are not too common, you may be able to find them that way. Good luck!

Thanks again for all the ideas - forgot to check the thread, that's why I haven't replied earlier.
Colinsmommy - they are in Salem. I don't know if that's north or south....