Obituary Templates & Examples: How to Write an Obituary
- Lastly.com
- May 12
- 19 min read
Last words matter™
Writing an obituary for someone you love — or even preparing one for yourself — can feel overwhelming.
You may be wondering:
What should be included?
Is there a proper format to follow?
How personal should it be?
Where should it be published?
And during a time of grief or emotional reflection, finding the right words is often one of the hardest parts.
This guide will walk you step-by-step through writing an obituary, including examples, templates, formatting tips, and practical advice to help you create a meaningful tribute.
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The thought of writing an obituary or a memoir—whether for a loved one who has just passed away or for yourself—can be quite intimidating. You might be wondering if there is a certain structure or format you should follow. Perhaps you should write an obituary in a specific style. Not to mention, you may be going through a difficult time emotionally and find it hard to focus.
The topic of death can be scary, and many people think that it’s morbid to take care of anything related to death in advance. Some people live their lives as if death is something that won’t happen to them: the "if I ignore it, it will go away" mentality. However, more people today are embracing a powerful way to handle something that we have no control over: death.
If you’re navigating the many responsibilities that come after a loss, writing the obituary is often just one part of the process. Our step-by-step guide on what to do when someone dies walks through the immediate practical steps after a loss, including notifying family members, funeral arrangements, and important paperwork.
Need help writing an obituary?
Answer a few simple questions, in our LifeReview™, and we’ll help you create a thoughtful, beautifully written tribute for someone you love—or for yourself.
An obituary is more than a public notice of someone’s passing. It’s a chance to honor a life, preserve memories, share accomplishments, and tell the story of someone deeply loved.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through:
What to include in an obituary
How to structure an obituary
Obituary templates you can use
Real obituary examples
Common mistakes to avoid
Where to publish an obituary
How to write your own obituary
If you’ve never written an obituary before, don’t worry. We’ll make the process simple, thoughtful, and manageable.
What Is an Obituary?
An obituary is a written notice of a person’s death that shares important details about their life, family, accomplishments, and funeral or memorial arrangements. A eulogy, on the other hand, is a speech delivered during a funeral or memorial service that focuses more personally on stories, memories, and relationships.
If you’re also preparing to speak at a service, our guide on how to write a eulogy includes examples, structure tips, and thoughtful ways to honor someone you love.
Traditionally, obituaries appeared in local newspapers. Today, obituaries are also commonly published:
On funeral home websites
Through online memorial pages
On social media
In community publications
On family websites or tribute pages
Modern obituaries have evolved beyond simple death announcements. Today, many families choose to create deeply personal tributes that celebrate personality, values, relationships, and the unique story of a person’s life.
Who Should Write an Obituary for the Departed?
Obituary writing is usually a task handled by surviving family or a special friend. If you find yourself in the position of having to write an obituary, don’t delay. You may only have a few days after a person’s death to get the obituary printed for notification of any upcoming funeral service or memorial service.
But more often, today’s baby boomers are bucking the trend and writing their own obituaries. Why? Because they don’t want to burden their family with any unnecessary tasks after their passing. And they do want to leave a mark—in their own way and in their own words. See for yourself how a self-written obituary affected complete strangers: Now This is How to Write an Obituary.
Today’s obituaries are far more than a birth date, death date, cause of death, request for donations, and a listing of surviving family members. These components outline your typical death notice or death announcement. Baby boomers are taking charge, celebrating life, and writing their own exit. Today’s obituaries are about telling a story… the story of you.
Gather Information for the Obituary
If you are writing an obituary for yourself, then you only need to work from your own memory. However, if you are writing an obituary for someone else, you’ll want to gather some information first in order to outline an account of an individual’s life or to create a biographical sketch.
When a loved one close to you has passed away, it is important to collect as much personal information as necessary. This makes your job of writing the actual obituary a lot easier. You may want to start with a copy of the person’s résumé or online LinkedIn profile, if it is available. Then be sure to talk to family members, friends, and colleagues to find out more.
It may seem like a lot of work up front, but it’s always best to have more information than you’ll need than to not have enough information to create a well-rounded obituary.
Also, take the time to do a little fact checking to be sure you have the most accurate information. And verify the spelling of relatives’ names and any towns where the deceased lived. The survivors will appreciate your accuracy.
What Should an Obituary Include?
First, check with the newspaper that you want to print your obituary. Some newspapers have specific guidelines or restrictions on length. Some newspapers and funeral directors may offer an obituary template, or even a sample obituary. In addition, some newspapers charge by the word, line or column inch. You'll also want to understand the distribution area of the paper if you are unfamiliar with the area. So, you may want to be aware of these or any other factors before you get started.
A good obituary balances factual information with personal storytelling.
Most obituaries include:
Basic Information
- Full name
- Age
- City and state of residence
- Date of passing
Life Details
- Date and place of birth
- Parents’ names
- Education
- Career or military service
- Hobbies and passions
- Community involvement
- Accomplishments
Family Information
- Immediate surviving family members
- Family members who preceded them in death
Service Information
- Funeral or memorial service details
- Visitation information
- Burial or celebration of life arrangements
Memorial Information
- Charitable donation requests
- Special acknowledgments
- Personal closing message or quote
The most meaningful obituaries also answer an important question:
What made this person special?
That’s often what readers remember most.
How to Write an Obituary Step-by-Step
Step 1: Announce the Passing
Start with the essential announcement.
Include:
- Full name
- Age
- Location
- Date of death
Example:
John Michael Smith, 78, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, surrounded by family.
You may also choose to include:
- Cause of death (optional)
- Circumstances of passing
- Tone (formal, warm, celebratory, spiritual, etc.)
Step 2: Share Important Life Details
Next, provide a brief overview of the person’s life.
Include meaningful highlights such as:
- Birthplace
- Education
- Marriage
- Career
- Military service
- Major achievements
- Volunteer work
- Faith or community involvement
Avoid simply listing dates chronologically. Instead, focus on what made their life meaningful.
Example:
John dedicated more than 40 years to teaching high school history and was known for his kindness, patience, and unforgettable storytelling.
Step 3: Highlight Personality and Passions
This is often the heart of the obituary.
Think about:
- What brought them joy?
- How will people remember them?
- What made them unique?
- What values defined them?
You might include:
- Favorite hobbies
- Humor
- Traditions
- Relationships
- Personality traits
- Life lessons
Example:
He never missed his grandchildren’s baseball games, loved fishing at the coast, and could strike up a conversation with absolutely anyone.
These details make an obituary feel personal and memorable.
Step 4: Include Family Members
List close surviving relatives and family members who preceded them in death.
Commonly included:
- Spouse or partner
- Children
- Grandchildren
- Siblings
- Parents
Example:
John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Smith; his children, Jennifer Collins and David Smith; and five grandchildren.
Be sure to verify spellings and relationships carefully.
Step 5: Add Funeral or Memorial Information
Include service details if they are public.
Examples:
- Date and time
- Location
- Visitation details
- Livestream information
- Reception information
Example:
A celebration of John’s life will be held Saturday, May 10, at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Charlotte.
If services are private, you can simply state:
Services will be held privately by the family.
Step 6: Include Memorial or Donation Information
Many families include a charitable donation request instead of flowers.
Example:
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or a local veterans charity.
You may also include:
- Scholarship funds
- Churches
- Animal rescues
- Community organizations
Step 7: End with a Meaningful Closing
Many obituaries end with:
- A favorite quote
- Scripture
- Words of gratitude
- A reflection on the person’s legacy
Example:
His kindness, generosity, and sense of humor will live on in all who knew him.
A thoughtful closing leaves a lasting emotional impression.
Obituary Templates
Simple Obituary Template
If you’re unsure where to begin, this obituary template can help.
[Full Name], age [XX], of [City, State], passed away on [Date].
[Name] was born on [Birth Date] in [Location] to [Parents].
They were known for [career, passions, personality traits, accomplishments].
[Name] is survived by [family members].
A [funeral/memorial/celebration of life] service will be held at [location] on [date and time].
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [organization].
[Closing sentiment, quote, or message].
Short Obituary Template
A short obituary is often used for newspaper notices or brief public announcements.
[Full Name], [Age], of [City], passed away on [Date].
[Name] was known for [personality trait, career, or passion].
They are survived by [family members].
[Funeral or memorial information].
Fill-in-the-Blank Obituary Template
[Full Name] passed away on [Date] at the age of [Age].
[He/She/They] was born in [Location] to [Parents].
[Name] spent [his/her/their] life working as a [Career/Profession] and was passionate about [Hobbies/Interests].
[Name] will be remembered for [Personality Traits or Legacy].
[He/She/They] is survived by [Family Members].
A [Funeral/Memorial/Celebration of Life] service will be held at [Location] on [Date and Time].
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [Charity or Organization].
Obituary Template for Mother
Writing an obituary for a mother often focuses on love, family, compassion, and the lasting impact she had on those around her.
[Full Name], beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on [Date] at the age of [Age].
She devoted her life to caring for her family and creating a home filled with love, warmth, and support.
She is survived by [children, grandchildren, family members].
A [service type] will be held at [location] on [date].
Her love, strength, and kindness will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.
Obituary Template for Father
A father’s obituary often reflects guidance, strength, dedication, humor, and the values he passed down to others.
[Full Name], loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on [Date] at the age of [Age].
He was known for [career accomplishments, hobbies, values, or personality traits].
[Name] dedicated his life to [family, career, service, passions].
He is survived by [family members].
A [service type] will be held at [location].
His legacy of love, wisdom, and integrity will continue through the family he cherished deeply.
Obituary Template for a Veteran
When writing an obituary for a veteran, many families choose to honor both military service and the individual’s life beyond the uniform. A thoughtful veteran obituary often reflects duty, sacrifice, character, family, and community impact.
[Full Name], [Military Rank if desired], age [XX], of [City, State], passed away on [Date].
[Name] proudly served in the United States [Branch of Service] during [War/Conflict/Years of Service]. During military service, [he/she/they] [special accomplishments, commendations, deployments, or responsibilities].
Following military service, [Name] dedicated [his/her/their] life to [career, family, community involvement, passions].
[He/She/They] will be remembered for [personal qualities, values, or legacy].
[Name] is survived by [family members].
A [funeral/memorial/celebration of life] service will be held at [location] on [date and time].
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [veteran organization or charity].
Families of veterans may also wish to explore burial benefits, memorial honors, and additional resources available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Obituary Examples
Short Obituary Example
Sarah Williams, 84, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026.
Sarah devoted her life to her family, church, and community. She spent more than 30 years as a nurse and was known for her compassion and unwavering kindness.
She is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren, and countless friends who loved her deeply.
A memorial service will be held Friday at 1:00 PM at Trinity Church.
Sarah’s warmth and generosity will never be forgotten.
Obituary Example for a Mother
Patricia Ann Reynolds, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, at the age of 79.
Patricia dedicated her life to her family and was known for her generous heart, beautiful cooking, and unwavering support for those she loved.
She is survived by her children, Michael and Sarah, and five grandchildren.
A celebration of life service will be held Sunday at 3:00 PM at Lakeside Chapel.
Her love and wisdom will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Obituary Example for a Father
Robert Allen Mitchell, loving husband and father, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026, at the age of 73.
Robert spent more than 40 years as an engineer and was admired for his integrity, generosity, and quick wit.
He loved coaching youth baseball, fishing with friends, and spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Linda, sons Daniel and Christopher, and four grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Friday at 1:00 PM at Trinity Church.
His guidance and kindness will never be forgotten.
Traditional Obituary Example
William Henry Thompson, 86, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on February 14, 1940, in Savannah, Georgia, William dedicated his life to hard work, family, and service to others. After proudly serving in the United States Navy, he spent more than 35 years working as a civil engineer and helping shape communities throughout the Southeast.
William was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and spending time with family at the coast. He was known for his quiet wisdom, steady presence, and unwavering integrity
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Margaret Thompson; children David Thompson and Laura Bennett; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 11, at 11:00 AM at St. Andrew’s Church in Charleston. Burial will follow at Magnolia Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
William’s kindness, strength, and love for family will be remembered always.
Veteran Obituary Example
Michael Anthony Reynolds, U.S. Army Veteran, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026, at the age of 76.
Michael proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he earned multiple commendations for his dedication and service. He carried the values of integrity, humility, and resilience throughout every chapter of his life.
After returning home, Michael built a successful career in construction management and spent more than 30 years helping shape the community he loved. Beyond his work, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and mentor to many.
Michael enjoyed fishing, woodworking, telling stories about his time in the service, and spending weekends surrounded by family. He was known for his quiet strength, generosity, and unwavering willingness to help others.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Susan Reynolds; children Daniel and Melissa; and five grandchildren.
A memorial service with military honors will be held Saturday, May 20, at 11:00 AM at Trinity Memorial Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local veterans support organization.
Michael’s legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to family will never be forgotten.
Celebration of Life Obituary Example
Emily Grace Harper passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026, at the age of 67, leaving behind a legacy of joy, creativity, and deep love for the people around her.
Emily approached life with warmth, humor, and curiosity. Whether she was hosting family dinners, painting in her backyard studio, or traveling with lifelong friends, she made every moment feel meaningful and memorable.
She spent more than 30 years as an elementary school teacher, where she inspired generations of students with patience, encouragement, and compassion. Outside the classroom, Emily loved music, gardening, and gathering people together whenever she had the chance.
She is survived by her husband Michael, daughters Rachel and Claire, and four beloved grandchildren.
Rather than a traditional funeral service, the family will host a Celebration of Life gathering on Sunday, May 18, at 4:00 PM at Willow Creek Gardens.
Guests are encouraged to wear bright colors and bring stories, laughter, and memories to share in honor of Emily’s beautiful spirit.
Her love and light will continue through everyone fortunate enough to have known her.
How Long Should an Obituary Be?
The length required for your obituary depends on where it will be published. Typically, newspapers are very strict about the word or character limits for their obituaries. Newspapers also can provide you with style and formatting guidelines. So, you may want to ask about these in advance of writing and/or submitting your obituary for publication.
If you plan to print the obituary in one or more local newspapers, call each obituary department in advance to confirm their space limit. If you plan to have the funeral home publish your obituary online or on their website, then you may have more leniency regarding the length of your obituary. All or parts of your obituary can also be read as part of the eulogy or graveside service, as funeral traditions can vary widely in different countries and within different religions.
For most circumstances, you may want to have a long version and a short version available. The average length of an obituary is approximately 200 words, but some publications may accept obituaries as long as 450 words or as short as 50 words.
The ideal obituary length depends on where it will be published.
Newspaper Obituaries
Most newspapers charge by:
- word count,
- line count,
- or column space.
Typical newspaper obituaries range from:
- 150–400 words
Online Obituaries
Online memorial pages often allow:
- longer stories,
- multiple photos,
- videos,
- guest books,
- and expanded tributes.
Many families choose to create:
- a shorter newspaper version,
- and a longer online version.
Common Obituary Mistakes to Avoid
1. Making It Too Chronological
Don’t simply list life events in order. Focus on personality and meaning.
2. Forgetting Service Details
Double-check dates, times, and locations carefully.
3. Including Too Much Information
Not every detail needs to be included. Prioritize what mattered most.
4. Waiting Until the Last Minute
Writing under pressure can lead to mistakes and additional stress.
5. Missing Personal Touches
The best obituaries sound human—not generic.
Small details often create the strongest emotional connection.
Where to Publish an Obituary
Now that you’ve written your obituary, what do you do next. If you’ve written your own obituary, then you’ll want to put it in safe hands so that it is available when the time comes.
If you’ve written an obituary for someone else, then you’ll have to make some quick decisions. Here are a few things you’ll want to know first.
Newspapers will almost always edit your obituary for spelling, grammar, and style. So, don’t worry if a few errors slip in. However, it’s best to check in advance in case you’ll want someone else to read it over before you submit.
Newspapers typically charge for printing obituaries (based on length), and costs can vary widely from one paper to the next. You can usually pay online, by phone or by check in person.
Some newspapers may offer an option to print a personal message, graphics, a poem, biblical verse, quote or other inspirational piece with your obituary.
Some newspapers may require either a copy of the death certificate or confirmation from the funeral home before publishing the obituary.
Some newspapers automatically print your obituary online if you publish it in their paper. Other newspapers may charge you extra for this service. Still other papers might only print an online version, but nothing in print. Be sure to check in advance so you don’t find out when it’s too late. Also, find out how long the obituary will remain viewable online or if it will be archived. To be safe, always download any online version to your computer so you will always have it.
Know your deadlines. If you want to use the obituary to invite people to attend services, then be aware of any print or online publishing deadlines so you make the announcement in time.
Ask to see the final version before printing so you can review it one more time and catch any errors that may have been introduced.
After a loved one passes away, families may also need to notify organizations such as the Social Security Administration and other government agencies as part of the post-death process.
Today, families have several options for publishing obituaries.
Newspapers
Traditional local newspapers remain common for formal announcements.
Funeral Home Websites
Most funeral homes provide online obituary pages and guest books.
Online Memorial Websites
Many memorial sites allow families to upload:
- photos,
- videos,
- stories,
- and condolences.
Social Media
Families increasingly share obituary announcements through Facebook and other social platforms.
Personal or Family Websites
Some families choose to create dedicated tribute pages that remain accessible for years to come.
How to Write Your Own Obituary
More people today are choosing to write their own obituary as a way to reflect on life, preserve their voice, and ease the burden on loved ones.
When you write your own obituary, you can create a personal summary of your life or the deceased’s life. And you can also avoid any possible mistakes that may occur when obituaries are hurriedly written at the time of death by a distraught or grieving family member. If you've ever had to write an obituary notice for someone else, then you understand what a daunting task it can be. And when that task is given with short notice, it's all-the-more difficult.
What style suits you best? Do you want it to be humorous? More serious? Should it be a listing of your proudest accomplishments? Maybe you can talk about what life meant to you, while highlighting what made your life well-lived. Some people mainly want to leave words of wisdom to their survivors. The bottom line is that if you are writing your final words proactively, it's YOUR OBITUARY and you can write it anyway you would like.
Write your obituary several different ways and review it with your family and your closest friends. You'll undoubtedly receive suggestions and feedback from those who know you best. You'll be surprised at how candid people will be, how accepting they are with what you are doing, and how insightful their advice may be for including things that might be extremely important to you.
Whatever you write, be sure to leave your own personal touch. Choose a flattering, high-resolution photo of yourself or the deceased to be published, either in print or online. Double space between lines for easy reading, and avoid using a fancy font or colored ink. ‘Keep it Simple,’ is the best policy when writing an obituary.
And if you feel overwhelmed by the job, then most definitely ask for help. Don’t wait until the last minute. You are enduring your own grief at the same time, and your job could certainly be made easier with a helping hand.
Writing your own obituary may feel unusual at first, but many people find it deeply meaningful.
It can help you:
- reflect on your life,
- preserve your voice,
- communicate values,
- reduce stress for loved ones,
- and share the legacy you hope to leave behind.
When writing your own obituary, consider:
- What mattered most to you?
- What relationships shaped your life?
- What lessons did you learn?
- How do you hope people remember you?
Many people discover that writing their own obituary becomes less about death—and more about understanding the life they’ve lived.
Self-Written Obituary Template
If you are reading this, then my journey has come to an end.
I was fortunate to spend my life surrounded by [family, friends, passions, accomplishments].
I hope to be remembered for [values, lessons, personality traits].
I am deeply grateful for [important relationships, experiences, blessings].
Above all else, I hope the people I loved know how much they meant to me.
Self-Written Obituary Example
More people today are choosing to write their own obituaries as a way to reflect on life, preserve their voice, and reduce stress for loved ones.
If you’re reading this, then my final adventure has arrived.
I was fortunate to live a life filled with family, friendship, laughter, and purpose. I loved deeply, made mistakes, learned often, and tried never to take life too seriously.
Above all else, I hope I’m remembered as someone who showed kindness freely and loved well.
Self-written obituaries often feel especially personal and authentic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Writing an Obituary
How do you write a simple obituary?
A simple obituary includes the person’s full name, age, date of passing, key life details, surviving family members, and funeral or memorial information. The most meaningful obituaries also include personal details that reflect the individual’s personality, values, and relationships.
What should an obituary include?
Most obituaries include:
• Full name and age
• Date of passing
• Birthplace and life history
• Career and accomplishments
• Family members
• Funeral or memorial details
• Donation or memorial information
• A personal message or reflection
How long should an obituary be?
Most newspaper obituaries range from 150–400 words, depending on publication requirements. Online obituaries can be longer and often include additional stories, photos, videos, and tributes.
Can you write your own obituary?
Yes. More people today are choosing to write their own obituary as a way to reflect on life, preserve their voice, and reduce stress for loved ones. A self-written obituary can also ensure your story is told in your own words.
Who usually writes an obituary?
Obituaries are commonly written by spouses, children, close relatives, friends, or funeral directors. In some cases, individuals choose to write their own obituary in advance.
What is the difference between an obituary and a eulogy?
An obituary is a written public notice that summarizes a person’s life and passing. A eulogy is a speech delivered during a funeral or memorial service that focuses more personally on stories, memories, and relationships.
Do you have to include the cause of death in an obituary?
No. Including the cause of death is completely optional. Many families choose to keep this information private, while others share it to honor a loved one’s journey or raise awareness about an illness.
Where can you publish an obituary?
Obituaries can be published in newspapers, funeral home websites, online memorial sites, social media, and personal tribute pages. Many families choose to publish both a printed and online version.
How much does it cost to publish an obituary?
The cost of publishing an obituary varies depending on the newspaper, length, location, and whether a photo is included. Some newspaper obituaries cost under $100, while others can cost several hundred dollars.
Can an obituary be personal or humorous?
Absolutely. Modern obituaries are often more personal and reflective than traditional death notices. Many families include humor, stories, hobbies, or unique memories that capture the spirit and personality of their loved one.
Final Thoughts
Writing an obituary is never easy. But it can also be one of the most meaningful ways to honor a life and preserve memories for future generations.
The most memorable obituaries are not necessarily the longest or most formal. They are the ones that genuinely capture the spirit, personality, and story of a person who mattered deeply to others.
For many families, writing the obituary is only one part of honoring a loved one’s life. If you are also preparing to speak at a funeral or memorial service, you may find it helpful to read our step-by-step guide on how to write a eulogy.
Grief affects people differently, and taking time to reflect, write, and share memories can often be part of the healing process for families and loved ones.
Organizations such as Mayo Clinic also offer helpful grief and bereavement resources for those coping with loss.
Whether you are writing for someone you love—or writing your own story—take your time, ask for help when needed, and focus on what truly mattered most.
Need help putting memories into words?
Writing an obituary is never easy. Our guided experience helps you reflect, organize memories, and create a thoughtful tribute for someone you love—or for yourself.
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