Free Obituary Templates & Printable Examples for Families
- Lastly.com
- May 20
- 11 min read
Updated: Jun 23
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 a person's life often become part of how they are remembered.
They are shared with family and friends.
Published in newspapers and online memorials.
Read during funeral services.
And revisited by future generations seeking to understand the people who came before
them.
Yet when the time comes to write an obituary, many families find themselves staring at a
blank page.
Where do you begin?
What should you include?
How do you summarize a lifetime of memories, relationships, accomplishments, and love
in just a few paragraphs?
That's why obituary templates can be so helpful.
Not because they provide the words.
But because they provide a place to start.
A simple framework can help organize thoughts, reduce stress, and guide you through
the process of honoring someone you love.
Whether you're writing an obituary for a parent, spouse, grandparent, sibling, veteran, or
friend, the goal is not perfection.
The goal is preserving a story.
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.
Because every life has a story worth telling.
And every meaningful obituary begins with remembering.
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
Need Help Writing an Obituary?
The Obituary LifeReview® helps families uncover meaningful stories, organize memories, and create a thoughtful obituary that reflects a life well lived.
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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.
Before You Start Writing
Before filling in a template, take a moment to think about the person behind the information.
The dates matter.
The family members matter.
The service details matter.
But the most meaningful obituaries capture something deeper.
The stories.
The relationships.
The values.
The moments that made a person who they were.
As you work through the templates below, consider the memories and qualities that
family members will want to remember years from now.
Because an obituary is more than a collection of facts.
It's an opportunity to preserve a life story.
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].
Obituary Templates You Can Copy, Customize, and Print
Many families find it helpful to work from an obituary template when organizing information and preparing a tribute for a loved one.
The templates above can be copied, customized, printed, and shared with family members while making funeral arrangements.
Obituary templates are especially helpful because they:
Organize thoughts clearly
Reduce stress during grief
Provide structure and guidance
Make collaboration easier among family members
Simplify newspaper submissions and memorial programs
We reviewed several obituary template styles commonly used by families:
Simple obituary templates
Traditional obituary templates
Short obituary templates
Religious obituary templates
Veteran obituary templates
Fill-in-the-blank obituary worksheets
Many families also create multiple versions of an obituary, including:
A shorter newspaper version
A longer online memorial version
A personalized funeral program version
The right template can help you get started, but the most meaningful obituaries are shaped by the stories, relationships, and memories that make each life unique.
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
In 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.
Related Resources
If you're looking for additional obituary guidance, these resources can help you move from a template to a more personal and meaningful tribute.
How to Write an Obituary — Learn how to write an obituary from start to finish, including structure, family information, storytelling, and service details.
Obituary Wording Examples — Explore meaningful obituary phrases, wording ideas, and examples that can help you find the right words during a difficult time.
How to List Family in an Obituary — Learn the proper order for listing surviving family members, relatives who preceded the deceased, and blended family relationships.
Writing Your Own Obituary — Discover how creating your own obituary can help preserve your story, values, and legacy for future generations.
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 guide helps you reflect, organize memories, and create a thoughtful tribute for someone you love—or for yourself.
Final Thoughts
An obituary template can make the writing process feel less overwhelming.
It provides structure.
It offers guidance.
And it helps you take the first step when you're not sure where to begin.
But the most meaningful obituaries are never defined by the template itself.
They are defined by the memories, relationships, values, and stories that bring a person's
life into focus.
As you use the templates and examples in this guide, remember that your goal is not
simply to complete a form.
It's to preserve a story.
A story that deserves to be remembered.
A story that helps future generations understand the life, love, and legacy of someone
who mattered deeply.
Because every meaningful obituary is ultimately about more than what happened during a person's life.
It's about who they were and the impact they left behind.
At Lastly.com, Last Words Matter.™
The final words written about a person's life often become part of how they are
remembered.
Lastly® helps families discover and tell the story of a life well lived through guided
storytelling designed for obituaries, eulogies, and lasting tributes.
Because every life has a story worth telling.
Every story deserves to be remembered.
And every meaningful obituary begins with understanding the person behind the words.
Because the most meaningful tributes don't begin with writing.
They begin with remembering.
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