Free Obituary Templates & Printable Examples for Families
- Lastly.com
- 5 days ago
- 10 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Printable obituary templates, guided memory prompts, and thoughtful reflection pages to help families organize memories and create meaningful tributes.
Last words matter™
The words written about someone’s life often become part of the legacy they leave behind. They are shared with family and friends, printed in memorial programs, published online, and revisited for years to come.
And when the time comes to write an obituary, many families struggle to know where to begin.
You may be grieving, emotionally overwhelmed, or simply unsure how to organize everything you want to say. Finding the right words during a difficult time can feel impossible.
That’s why obituary templates can help.
A simple structure can ease the pressure, provide guidance, and help you focus on what matters most — honoring the life, personality, and memory of someone you love.
Whether you are writing an obituary for a parent, spouse, grandparent, sibling, veteran, or close friend, the goal is not perfection. The goal is creating a meaningful tribute that reflects a life well lived.
Below, you’ll find free obituary templates, printable obituary examples, fill-in-the-blank formats, and practical writing tips to help guide you through the process.
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.
What Is an Obituary Template?
An obituary template is a simple framework that helps families organize the information commonly included in an obituary.
Rather than staring at a blank page and wondering where to start, a template provides structure and guidance during an emotional time.
Most obituary templates include:
basic life details
family information
accomplishments
personality traits
hobbies and interests
funeral or memorial service information
meaningful closing words
Templates are not meant to feel robotic or impersonal. Instead, they help reduce pressure so you can focus on remembering the person behind the words.
Many families also use obituary templates when:
submitting an obituary to a newspaper
preparing a funeral program
creating an online memorial
sharing service information with friends and relatives
writing collaboratively with family members
If you need more comprehensive help, you can also read our complete guide: Obituary Templates & Examples: How to Write an Obituary
Why Obituary Templates Help During Grief
Grief affects concentration, memory, and decision-making.
At the same time, families are often expected to make important arrangements quickly:
notifying relatives
planning funeral services
coordinating travel
managing paperwork
preparing tributes
An obituary template provides a starting point during a time when even small decisions can feel overwhelming.
Instead of worrying about formatting or structure, you can focus on:
memories
relationships
personality
meaningful details
honoring someone’s legacy
Many people also find comfort in writing an obituary because it becomes part of the grieving process itself — a way to reflect on a person’s life and the impact they had on others.
What Should an Obituary Include?
Every obituary is unique, but most include several core elements.
Basic Information
This typically includes:
full name
age
date of passing
city or state
birthplace
Example:
Sarah Johnson, 78, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, surrounded by family.
Family Members
Many obituaries include surviving family members such as:
spouse
children
grandchildren
siblings
close relatives
Some families also choose to mention loved ones who passed away previously.
Life Story & Accomplishments
This section may include:
career
military service
volunteer work
hobbies
passions
achievements
community involvement
The goal is not to list every accomplishment, but to reflect what mattered most in the person’s life.
Personality & Memories
Often, the most meaningful obituaries include personal details.
Examples:
favorite sayings
traditions
hobbies
humor
small habits people will remember
These details help make an obituary feel personal and human.
Service Information
Include:
funeral details
visitation information
memorial service dates
locations
donation requests if applicable
Always double-check spelling, addresses, dates, and times carefully.
Free Obituary Templates
Simple Obituary Template
[Full Name], age [Age], passed away on [Date] in [Location].
[First Name] was known for [personality traits, career, hobbies, or passions]. They enjoyed [interests or favorite activities] and were deeply loved by family and friends.
[He/She/They] is survived by [family members].
A [funeral/memorial/celebration of life] service will be held on [Date] at [Location].
Example:
James Carter, age 74, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
James was known for his generosity, love for family, and passion for woodworking. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on June 15 at Green Hill Church.
Traditional Obituary Template
[Full Name], [Age], passed away peacefully on [Date].
[First Name] was born on [Birth Date] in [Birthplace] to [Parents’ Names]. Throughout life, [he/she/they] was known for [career, accomplishments, service, or family devotion].
[First Name] is survived by [spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings, and loved ones].
Services will be held at [Location] on [Date and Time].
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [Charity or Organization].
Short Obituary Template
[Full Name], [Age], passed away on [Date].
[He/She/They] will be remembered for [kindness, humor, devotion, strength, etc.] and deeply missed by family and friends.
Example:
Mary Collins, 81, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026.
Mary will be remembered for her kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering love for her family. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.
Obituary Template for Father
[Full Name], beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on [Date] at the age of [Age].
[First Name] was known for [qualities such as wisdom, humor, generosity, hard work, or kindness]. He enjoyed [hobbies/interests] and spent much of his life devoted to his family.
He is survived by [family members].
His love, guidance, and presence will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.
Obituary Template for Mother
[Full Name], loving mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on [Date].
She was known for her compassion, warmth, and dedication to her family. [First Name] created a home filled with love, support, and cherished memories that will continue for generations.
She is survived by [family members].
Her kindness and love will never be forgotten.
Religious Obituary Template
[Full Name], age [Age], entered eternal rest on [Date].
[First Name] lived a life guided by faith, compassion, and love for others. [He/She/They] found strength through [church/community/faith tradition] and touched many lives through kindness and generosity.
[First Name] is survived by [family members].
The family finds peace in knowing [he/she/they] is now resting with the Lord.
Veteran or Military Service Obituary Template
[Full Name], [Age], proudly served in the [Military Branch] and passed away on [Date].
[First Name] dedicated [number] years to serving the country with honor, courage, and integrity. Following military service, [he/she/they] continued to impact others through family, community involvement, and lifelong friendships.
[First Name] is survived by [family members].
Military honors and funeral services will be held on [Date] at [Location].
The family expresses gratitude for [his/her/their] service and sacrifice.
Example:
Colonel Robert Hayes, 82, proudly served in the United States Army and passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026.
Robert dedicated more than 30 years to military service and remained deeply committed to supporting fellow veterans after retirement. He was respected for his leadership, integrity, and devotion to family.
He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and many lifelong friends.
Military honors will be held at Oakwood Memorial Cemetery on July 10.
Fill-in-the-Blank Obituary Template
[Full Name], age [Age], passed away on [Date] in [Location].
[He/She/They] was born on [Birth Date] in [Birthplace].
[First Name] worked as [Occupation] and enjoyed [Hobbies/Interests].
[He/She/They] is survived by [Family Members].
A [Funeral/Memorial Service] will be held on [Date] at [Location].
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [Organization].
Obituary Templates by Relationship
Different relationships often call for different tones, memories, and wording styles. While every obituary is personal, these templates can help families find a starting point that feels appropriate for the person they are honoring.
Obituary Template for Grandmother
[Full Name], loving grandmother, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully on [Date] at the age of [Age].
She was known for her warmth, compassion, and unconditional love for her family. [First Name] enjoyed [hobbies/interests] and created countless memories through family traditions, holiday gatherings, and everyday acts of kindness.
She is survived by [family members].
Her love and guidance will continue to live on through everyone who knew her.
Obituary Template for Husband
[Full Name], beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away on [Date] at the age of [Age].
Throughout his life, [First Name] was known for his loyalty, generosity, and dedication to the people he loved most. He enjoyed [hobbies/interests] and found great joy in spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by [family members].
His strength, love, and steady presence will be deeply missed.
Obituary Template for Wife
[Full Name], loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on [Date].
She was known for her kindness, compassion, and ability to make everyone feel welcomed and cared for. [First Name] enjoyed [hobbies/interests] and spent much of her life creating meaningful memories with loved ones.
She is survived by [family members].
Her love and beautiful spirit will never be forgotten.
Obituary Template for a Friend
[Full Name] passed away on [Date] at the age of [Age].
Known for [his/her/their] kindness, loyalty, and sense of humor, [First Name] touched the lives of many people through friendship, encouragement, and generosity. [He/She/They] enjoyed [hobbies/interests] and had a gift for making others feel valued and appreciated.
[First Name] will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew [him/her/them].
Printable Obituary Templates
Many families prefer printable obituary templates they can download, edit, and share with relatives while preparing funeral arrangements.
Printable templates are especially helpful because they:
organize thoughts clearly
reduce stress during grief
provide structure
make collaboration easier among family members
simplify newspaper submissions and memorial programs
Below are common printable obituary template styles families often use:
Simple obituary templates
Traditional obituary templates
Short obituary templates
Religious obituary templates
Veteran obituary templates
Fill-in-the-blank obituary worksheets
You may also choose to create:
a shorter newspaper version
a longer online memorial version
a personalized funeral program version
Where Obituaries Are Published Today
Today, obituaries are shared in many different places depending on family preference and tradition.
Common locations include:
local newspapers
funeral home websites
online memorial pages
church bulletins
printed funeral programs
social media memorial posts
Many families now choose to publish both:
a shorter newspaper obituary
a longer online memorial version
Online obituaries allow families to include:
additional photos
personal stories
videos
guestbook messages
memorial donation links
Because online memorials are easier to update and share, they have become increasingly common in recent years.
Newspaper Obituaries vs. Online Obituaries
Traditional newspaper obituaries are often shorter because many newspapers charge based on word count or length.
As a result, newspaper obituaries typically focus on:
essential life information
immediate family
funeral service details
Online obituaries, however, provide more flexibility and personalization.
Families often use online obituary pages to include:
longer life stories
additional memories
photo galleries
videos
tributes from family and friends
Many families today choose to create both versions:
a concise printed obituary
a more detailed online memorial
Obituary Writing Tips
Focus on Personality, Not Perfection
The most meaningful obituaries rarely sound perfect.
They sound honest.
Focus on:
warmth
sincerity
relationships
personality
meaningful memories
Simple words often carry the greatest emotional impact.
Include One Personal Detail
Small details help bring an obituary to life.
Examples:
favorite hobbies
traditions
sayings
routines
memorable habits
These details often become the parts family members remember most.
Keep the Tone Authentic
Modern obituaries are often more personal than traditional newspaper announcements from decades ago.
It’s okay to include:
humor
storytelling
personality
emotion
As long as it reflects the individual honestly.
Don’t Pressure Yourself to Include Everything
You are not expected to summarize an entire life story in a few paragraphs.
Focus on:
what mattered most
the impact they had
how they will be remembered
That is enough.
Common Obituary Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting Until the Last Minute
If possible, gather:
names
dates
service information
family details
...ahead of time.
This helps reduce stress later.
Forgetting to Proofread
Always review:
spelling
dates
names
locations
service times
Ask another family member to review it as well.
Making It Too Formal
Some of the most meaningful obituaries feel conversational and personal rather than overly formal.
Families increasingly value warmth and authenticity.
Should You Include the Cause of Death in an Obituary?
This is a personal decision, and there is no right or wrong answer.
Some families choose to include the cause of death to:
honor a loved one’s medical journey
raise awareness
answer common questions
provide clarity for friends and relatives
Others prefer to keep those details private.
If you choose to include it, many families use gentle wording such as:
“passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer”
“passed unexpectedly”
“passed peacefully surrounded by family”
Ultimately, the obituary should reflect what feels most comfortable and meaningful for your family.
Can Multiple Family Members Help Write an Obituary?
Absolutely. Many families collaborate when writing an obituary because different people often remember different parts of someone’s life.
One person may remember:
childhood stories
family traditions
military service
career accomplishments
meaningful personality traits
Working together can help create a more complete and meaningful tribute while also easing emotional pressure on any one family member.
Some families even gather together to:
share stories
review drafts
select photographs
decide on favorite memories or wording
I
n many ways, writing an obituary together can become part of the healing process itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are obituary templates free?
Yes. Many obituary templates are available online and can be personalized for different situations and families.
What is the standard obituary format?
Most obituaries include:
announcement of passing
life summary
family information
service details
closing tribute
Can I write my own obituary?
Absolutely. Many people choose to write or outline their own obituary to help family members later and preserve their personal story.
How long should an obituary be?
Some obituaries are only a few paragraphs, while others are much longer. The ideal length depends on:
publication requirements
family preference
how much detail you want to include
Should an obituary include humor?
Yes — when appropriate. Humor can be a beautiful way to reflect someone’s personality and help others remember joyful moments.
Honoring a Life with Meaningful Words
Writing an obituary is never easy, especially during a time of grief. But a thoughtful obituary can become a lasting tribute that helps preserve memories, celebrate a life, and bring comfort to family and friends.
Whether you use a simple template, a printable format, or a fully personalized tribute, the most meaningful obituaries come from the heart.
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.
Powered by the Lastly.com LifeReview® experience
Last Words Matter.
Comments