What is an obituary?
An obituary is a published announcement of a person’s death that also tells the story of their life. Most obituaries include the person’s full name, age, place of residence, date and place of death, a brief biography (birth, education, career, character), the names of surviving and predeceased family members, and the details of the funeral or memorial service. They’re published in newspapers, on funeral home websites, and on online memorial sites like Legacy.com.
A typical obituary runs 200 to 400 words. It’s longer and more personal than a death notice — which is the brief, paid announcement (usually 30 to 60 words) that simply states a person has died, lists immediate family, and gives service times. Many families publish both: a short death notice in the paper for cost, and a longer obituary online for reach.
The word “obituary” comes from the Latin obitus, meaning “departure” or “death.” In practice, an obituary is the written record a community holds onto — a small piece of family history that gets clipped, filed, and read by descendants generations later.
Below, write your own obituary in minutes — or read 12 hand-written examples for inspiration.
Tell us about them.
A few details about who they were, the family they loved, and how to honor them. Take your time.
Including any nicknames in quotes. e.g., 'Robert "Bob" Henderson Sr.'
Their full name is required.
At time of death.
Their age is required.
Date of death is required.
e.g., Charleston, WV.
City and state are required.
Optional. e.g., 'at home,' 'at Charleston Area Medical Center,' 'surrounded by family.'
Optional. Many families prefer not to include this.
Date of birth is required.
City and state.
Place of birth is required.
Optional but traditional. e.g., 'Margaret and James Henderson (both deceased).'
Highest level + school name. e.g., 'Marshall University, B.A. in English, 1965.'
What they did, where they worked, for how long. Keep it to 1–2 sentences.
Career or occupation is required.
Optional. e.g., 'U.S. Army, 1962–1965, Vietnam War veteran.'
What they loved doing. Specific is better than generic.
Please add at least 30 characters about their passions.
2–3 traits with a brief example.
Please add at least 30 characters about their character.
Optional.
Mark deceased if they passed first.
List with spouse if applicable. e.g., 'Sarah Henderson (David) of Charleston, Michael Henderson of Atlanta.'
Optional. Just a number is traditional.
Optional.
Optional.
Optional. e.g., 'his parents and his sister Anne.'
Optional.
Optional.
Optional. e.g., 'First Presbyterian Church, Charleston, WV.'
Optional. e.g., 'Visitation will be Friday 5–7 p.m. at the funeral home.'
Optional. e.g., 'the American Cancer Society.'
Please complete all required fields to continue.
Obituary Examples — Real Samples for Every Family
Twelve complete, hand-written sample obituaries — for a mother, father, spouse, grandparent, sudden loss, military veteran, religious figure, young person, beloved pet, and more. Use them as a model for your own.
A traditional, warm obituary for a mother — written the way most American newspapers and funeral home sites publish them. Notice how the family list flows: spouse first, then children with cities, then the count of grandchildren.
Margaret Anne Henderson, 78, of Charleston, WV, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2026, at home, surrounded by her family.
Margaret was born on June 3, 1947, in Beckley, WV, to the late James and Ruth Patterson. She graduated from Beckley High School in 1965 and went on to earn her degree in elementary education from Marshall University. For thirty-two years, Margaret taught second grade in the Kanawha County school system, where generations of children passed through her classroom.
Anyone who knew Margaret knew she was patient, generous, and quietly funny. She loved her garden, her grandchildren's softball games, and reading two books a week from the Charleston Public Library. She rarely missed a Sunday service at First Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir for forty years.
Margaret is survived by her husband of fifty-six years, Robert Henderson; her children, Sarah Henderson Mills (David) of Charleston, Michael Henderson of Atlanta, and Anne Henderson of Morgantown; seven grandchildren; and her sister, Carolyn Patterson of Beckley. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, James Patterson Jr.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 18, at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Charleston, with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Kanawha County Public Library Foundation in Margaret's memory.
“An obituary doesn’t sum up a life. It points to one — like an arrow that says: this person was here, and they mattered.”
How to Write an Obituary — Step-by-Step Guide
A traditional obituary follows a structure that’s been refined by newspapers and funeral homes for more than a century. The structure exists for a reason: readers expect it, family members can find what they need quickly, and nothing important gets left out. Here’s the format, in order, with the small writing decisions that separate a good obituary from a generic one.
1. Announce the death
Start with the basic facts in the first sentence: full name (with nickname in quotes), age, city, and date of death. The most common opening pattern is “[Name], [age], of [city], passed away on [date].” You can soften the language with “left us peacefully,” “was called home,” or “died unexpectedly,” depending on the circumstances. If the family wants to include the place of death (“at home,” “at Charleston Area Medical Center”) or a brief note about the cause, this is the place. Keep the announcement direct — readers come to obituaries first for facts, then for stories.
2. Share their life story
The middle of the obituary is where the person comes alive. Cover the basics in the order they happened: date and place of birth, parents’ names (a traditional convention that anchors the family record), education, career or occupation, military service if applicable. Then — and this is what separates a memorable obituary from a generic one — describe their character with two or three traits, and their passions with specific examples. “Helen made the best chocolate chip cookies in three counties” lands far harder than “Helen was a wonderful baker.” If they belonged to a church, lodge, union, or organization that mattered to them, mention it.
3. List surviving family members
Surviving family is one of the most-read parts of an obituary, and the conventions are strict. List in this order: spouse first (with married years if notable), then children (with each child’s spouse in parentheses and city), then a count of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, then siblings, then parents if living. Predeceased family — those who passed before — go in a separate sentence: “She was preceded in death by…” Use full names, Oxford commas, and “of [city]” for clarity. If family relationships are complicated (estrangement, blended families, multiple marriages), the family must decide together what’s included.
4. Add service details
On its own paragraph for newspaper readability: the type of service (funeral, memorial, celebration of life), date, time, location, and any visitation details. If the family is requesting donations in lieu of flowers, name the charity and how to give. If services are private, say “A private service will be held” — you don’t need to explain.
5. Close with something meaningful
The closing line is short — one or two sentences — and either celebrates who they were (“Helen lived 94 good years, and we are all better for having known her”), expresses faith if appropriate (“May she rest in eternal peace”), or speaks directly (“Goodbye, Bob. You were so loved”). It’s the moment to step back from facts and let the family’s love come through.
How long should an obituary be?
Most obituaries run 200 to 400 words. Newspapers often charge by the line, so shorter is cheaper. Funeral home websites and online memorial sites have no length limit — many families publish a longer version online and a shorter version in print. The right length is whatever honors the person without padding the text. Every sentence should earn its place.
What to include in an obituary
Every obituary should include the basics: full name (with nicknames in quotes), age, city of residence, date of death, and date and place of birth. Beyond that, include parents’ names, education, career, military service if applicable, two or three character traits, two or three specific passions, any meaningful affiliations (church, lodge, union), the names of surviving family members in standard order, predeceased family, service details, and a donation request if there is one. Skip what the deceased would have wanted private — and skip what only divides the family.
How to list family in an obituary
The convention is strict and reads in this order: spouse first, then children (with each child’s spouse in parentheses and city of residence), then a count of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, then siblings (with cities), then parents if living. A worked example:
“Margaret is survived by her husband of fifty-six years, Robert Henderson; her children, Sarah Henderson Mills (David) of Charleston, Michael Henderson of Atlanta, and Anne Henderson of Morgantown; seven grandchildren; and her sister, Carolyn Patterson of Beckley. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, James Patterson Jr.”
Use semicolons between groups, commas within groups, and the Oxford comma. “Of [city]” clarifies who lives where. Predeceased family always go in their own sentence beginning “She was preceded in death by…”
How to start an obituary
The most-used opening is the simplest: “[Name], [age], of [city, state], passed away on [date].” You can soften “passed away” with “left us peacefully,” “was called home,” or “died unexpectedly,” depending on the circumstances. For a long-life celebration, try “[Name] lived a long, full life and passed away peacefully on [date].” Avoid flowery openings — readers come to obituaries first for facts, then for stories.
Obituary format and outline
A traditional obituary follows a simple, predictable outline. If you keep these five paragraphs in this order, you have a publishable obituary:
- Announcement. Name, age, city, date and place of death.
- Biography. Birth, parents, education, career, military service.
- Character & passions. Two or three traits, two or three vivid specifics, and meaningful affiliations.
- Family. Surviving family in standard order, then predeceased family.
- Service & closing. Service date, time, location, donation request, and a one-line closing.
Print the outline, fill in your details paragraph by paragraph, then read it aloud once. If it sounds like the person you knew, it’s ready.
Free Obituary Templates — 8 Fill-in-the-Blank Formats
Eight free obituary templates you can copy, customize, and publish — for newspapers, funeral home websites, or social media.
Each template below is a complete fill-in-the-blank structure. Replace the bracketed prompts (in orange) with your loved one’s details. Tap Copy to grab the full template, or tap Use this template in the generator to pre-fill the form above with the matching length, tone, and faith setting — then your generated obituary will follow this template’s style. Looking for downloadable Word and PDF versions? Scroll to the next section.
Traditional Newspaper Obituary Template
The standard format every newspaper expects.
~250 words filled in
[FULL NAME], [AGE], of [CITY, STATE], passed away on [DATE OF DEATH] at [PLACE OF DEATH]. [FIRST NAME] was born on [DATE OF BIRTH] in [PLACE OF BIRTH], to [PARENTS' NAMES]. [He/She] graduated from [SCHOOL/UNIVERSITY] and worked as [CAREER/OCCUPATION] for [NUMBER] years. [FIRST NAME] is survived by [SPOUSE'S NAME]; children [CHILDREN'S NAMES WITH CITIES]; [NUMBER] grandchildren; and [SIBLINGS]. [He/She] was preceded in death by [PREDECEASED FAMILY]. A [SERVICE TYPE] will be held on [DATE] at [TIME] at [LOCATION]. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to [CHARITY] in [FIRST NAME]'s memory.
Best for: Most local newspaper obituaries.
Short Obituary Template
Under 150 words — for newspapers that charge by the line.
~120 words filled in
[FULL NAME], [AGE], of [CITY, STATE], died on [DATE OF DEATH]. [He/She] was born on [DATE OF BIRTH] in [PLACE OF BIRTH] and worked as [CAREER] for [NUMBER] years. [FIRST NAME] is survived by [SPOUSE], [NUMBER] children, and [NUMBER] grandchildren. Services will be held on [DATE] at [LOCATION]. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [CHARITY].
Best for: Cost-conscious newspaper publishing or social media.
Detailed Funeral Home Obituary Template
Longer, fuller format for funeral home websites and online memorials.
~500 words filled in
[FULL NAME], [AGE], of [CITY, STATE], passed away [PEACEFULLY/UNEXPECTEDLY] on [DATE OF DEATH] at [PLACE OF DEATH], surrounded by [his/her] family. [FIRST NAME] was born on [DATE OF BIRTH] in [PLACE OF BIRTH], to [PARENTS' NAMES]. [He/She] graduated from [HIGH SCHOOL] in [YEAR] and went on to earn [DEGREE] from [UNIVERSITY] in [YEAR]. [He/She] proudly served in the [BRANCH] from [YEARS] before beginning a [LENGTH]-year career as [OCCUPATION] at [EMPLOYER]. [FIRST NAME] was known for [CHARACTER TRAIT 1], [CHARACTER TRAIT 2], and [CHARACTER TRAIT 3]. [He/She] loved [HOBBY 1], [HOBBY 2], and [HOBBY 3]. [He/She] was a longtime member of [ORGANIZATION/CHURCH], where [SPECIFIC ROLE OR YEARS OF SERVICE]. [FIRST NAME] is survived by [his/her] [SPOUSE'S RELATIONSHIP] of [NUMBER] years, [SPOUSE'S NAME]; [his/her] children, [CHILD 1 (SPOUSE) OF CITY, CHILD 2 (SPOUSE) OF CITY]; [NUMBER] grandchildren and [NUMBER] great-grandchildren; and [his/her] [SIBLINGS WITH CITIES]. [He/She] was preceded in death by [PREDECEASED FAMILY MEMBERS]. A [funeral service / memorial service / celebration of life] will be held on [DATE] at [TIME] at [LOCATION], with [VISITATION/RECEPTION DETAILS]. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to [CHARITY/ORGANIZATION] in [FIRST NAME]'s memory.
Best for: Funeral home websites, Legacy.com, online memorials.
Self-Written Obituary Template
Written by you, in your own voice, ahead of time.
~200 words filled in
[FULL NAME], [AGE], of [CITY, STATE], passed away on [DATE OF DEATH]. I was born on [DATE OF BIRTH] in [PLACE OF BIRTH] to [PARENTS' NAMES]. I graduated from [SCHOOL] and spent [NUMBER] years working as [CAREER]. The work I'm proudest of: [ACCOMPLISHMENT]. What I loved most: [HOBBIES, PASSIONS, PEOPLE]. What I want to be remembered for: [CHARACTER TRAITS, VALUES]. I am survived by [FAMILY MEMBERS WITH RELATIONSHIPS]. I was preceded in death by [PREDECEASED FAMILY]. If you'd like to remember me, please [SPECIFIC REQUEST: e.g., do something for someone who needs it, plant a tree, hug your kids, donate to a cause]. Thank you. It was a good life.
Best for: Pre-planning your own arrangements.
Simple Obituary Template
Just the essential facts and family — no flourishes.
~100 words filled in
[FULL NAME], [AGE], of [CITY, STATE], passed away on [DATE OF DEATH]. [He/She] was born on [DATE OF BIRTH] in [PLACE OF BIRTH]. [FIRST NAME] is survived by [LIST OF IMMEDIATE FAMILY]. A service will be held on [DATE] at [LOCATION].
Best for: When the family wants something straightforward and small.
Heartfelt / Personal Obituary Template
Warmer storytelling tone — for an obituary that sounds like a person, not a record.
~350 words filled in
[FULL NAME], [AGE], of [CITY, STATE], left us on [DATE OF DEATH], [SOFTENING DETAIL: e.g., "with her family around her" or "the way he wanted to — at home, with the radio on"]. [FIRST NAME] was born on [DATE OF BIRTH] in [PLACE OF BIRTH] to [PARENTS' NAMES]. [He/She] graduated from [SCHOOL] and spent [NUMBER] years as [CAREER] — but the part of [his/her] life [he/she] loved most was [HOBBY/PASSION/RELATIONSHIP]. [FIRST NAME] was the kind of person who [SPECIFIC, VIVID DETAIL — e.g., "could fix anything with a wrench and an opinion" or "remembered every birthday and showed up when it mattered"]. [He/She] loved [SPECIFIC HOBBY], [SPECIFIC FOOD OR PLACE], and [SPECIFIC RELATIONSHIP, e.g., "every minute with her grandchildren"]. [FIRST NAME] is survived by [SPOUSE'S NAME] of [NUMBER] years; [his/her] children [CHILDREN WITH CITIES]; [NUMBER] grandchildren; and [SIBLINGS]. [He/She] was preceded in death by [PREDECEASED FAMILY]. A [SERVICE TYPE] will be held on [DATE] at [TIME] at [LOCATION], with a [RECEPTION/GATHERING] to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider [SPECIFIC, PERSONAL REQUEST — e.g., "a donation to the animal shelter where she volunteered for twenty years" or "doing something kind for a stranger this week"]. [CLOSING LINE — e.g., "We loved you. We are going to miss you every day."]
Best for: Families who want the obituary to capture personality.
Faith-Centered Obituary Template
For a person whose faith was central to their life. Adaptable for Christian, Jewish, or Muslim traditions.
~300 words filled in
[FULL NAME], [AGE], of [CITY, STATE], was [called home to the Lord / returned to God] on [DATE OF DEATH], surrounded by [his/her] family. [FIRST NAME] was born on [DATE OF BIRTH] in [PLACE OF BIRTH] to [PARENTS' NAMES]. [He/She] graduated from [SCHOOL] and worked as [CAREER] for [NUMBER] years. [He/She] was a faithful member of [CHURCH/SYNAGOGUE/MOSQUE] for [NUMBER] years, where [he/she] [SPECIFIC ROLE — e.g., "served on the altar guild," "sang in the choir," "taught Sunday school"]. [FIRST NAME] lived [his/her] faith quietly and daily — through [SPECIFIC PRACTICE: e.g., "her morning rosary," "his weekly visits to the homebound," "her open kitchen and open heart"]. [He/She] was [CHARACTER TRAITS], and [he/she] loved [HOBBIES/PASSIONS]. [FIRST NAME] is survived by [SPOUSE'S NAME]; [his/her] children [CHILDREN WITH CITIES]; [NUMBER] grandchildren; and [SIBLINGS]. [He/She] was preceded in death by [PREDECEASED FAMILY]. A [funeral mass / memorial service / janazah prayer] will be held on [DATE] at [TIME] at [LOCATION], with [BURIAL/INTERMENT] to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to [CHURCH/CHARITY] in [FIRST NAME]'s memory. [CLOSING — e.g., "May [his/her] memory be a blessing." / "May [he/she] rest in eternal peace." / "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un."]
Best for: Religious families and church bulletin publication.
Celebration of Life Template
Lighter, celebratory tone — for someone who lived a long, full life.
~300 words filled in
[FULL NAME], [AGE], of [CITY, STATE], lived a long, full life and passed away peacefully on [DATE OF DEATH] at [PLACE OF DEATH]. [FIRST NAME] was born on [DATE OF BIRTH] in [PLACE OF BIRTH], the [BIRTH ORDER] of [NUMBER] children of [PARENTS' NAMES]. [He/She] married [SPOUSE'S NAME] on [WEDDING DATE], and they shared [NUMBER] years together before [his/her] passing in [YEAR]. [FIRST NAME] worked as [CAREER] for [NUMBER] years. After retirement, [he/she] [POST-RETIREMENT JOY — e.g., "drove a motorhome through every state in the lower 48," "took up oil painting at 72 and never put the brushes down"]. [FIRST NAME] was [CHARACTER TRAITS] and the kind of person who [SPECIFIC, VIVID DETAIL]. [He/She] loved [HOBBY 1], [HOBBY 2], and [HOBBY 3] — and [SPECIFIC FAMOUS-IN-THE-FAMILY THING, e.g., "made the best pecan pie in three counties, a recipe he refused to share"]. [FIRST NAME] is survived by [his/her] children [CHILDREN WITH CITIES]; [NUMBER] grandchildren and [NUMBER] great-grandchildren; and [his/her] siblings [SIBLINGS WITH CITIES]. [He/She] was preceded in death by [PREDECEASED FAMILY]. A celebration of [his/her] life will be held on [DATE] at [TIME] at [LOCATION]. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to [CHARITY] in [FIRST NAME]'s memory. [NUMBER] good years. A whole life. A good one. Thank you, [FIRST NAME].
Best for: Long lives, well-lived; older relatives passing in old age.
Free Obituary Templates — Word & PDF Downloads
Prefer to write offline? Download the four most-used obituary templates as a Microsoft Word document (.docx) or a print-ready PDF. Both versions are fully editable, formatted for US Letter paper, and free to use — no signup, no email required. Open the .docx in Word, Google Docs, or Pages, replace the [bracketed] fields with your loved one’s details, and you’re ready to send it to the newspaper or funeral home.
“Read it aloud before you publish it. If it sounds like the person you knew, it’s ready.”
Obituary vs Eulogy vs Death Notice — What’s the Difference?
The three terms are often confused. Each one has a specific job — and most families end up needing all three. Here’s what each one is, where it’s published, and how to think about them together.
Obituary
Eulogy
Death notice
Need help with the eulogy? Try our free Eulogy Writer → Or read our full Obituary Writing Guide.
How Much Does an Obituary Cost?
The cost of publishing an obituary varies enormously depending on where you publish — from completely free on funeral home websites to several thousand dollars in major metropolitan newspapers. Most newspapers charge by the line or by the column inch, which is why the standard 200–400 word obituary length exists. Photos almost always cost extra ($25–$150). Many families publish a short, paid version in their local paper for legal and community-notice purposes, then a longer, free version on the funeral home website or Legacy.com.
Regional differences are real. A 250-word obituary in a small West Virginia weekly might run $80; the same obituary in the Charleston Gazette-Mail might be $250; in the Washington Post or New York Times, it can climb past $1,500. Some papers offer flat-rate packages that include a photo and online posting; others charge per-line for everything. Always ask your funeral director — they place obituaries every week and can usually negotiate better rates than walk-in customers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Obituary
The most common obituary mistakes aren’t typos — they’re structural decisions made under grief that the family later wishes they could undo. Here’s what to watch for, and why each one matters.
- Revealing too much personal information. Skip street addresses, dates of birth that include the year of living family, Social Security numbers, and any detail that could be used for identity theft. Obituaries are a known target for fraud and burglary.
- Forgetting key family members. Triple-check the survivor list with the family before publishing. A forgotten grandchild, a missed in-law, or a misspelled name is a wound that lasts for years. Read the survivor paragraph aloud to the closest surviving family member.
- Awkward cause-of-death language. If you choose to include the cause of death, be plain and gentle: “after a long illness,” “unexpectedly,” “at home of natural causes.” Avoid graphic details, and avoid euphemisms that obscure (“passed too soon” can read as evasive).
- Errors in service details. Wrong day of the week. Wrong time. Address mistyped. These get people lost or late on a day they cannot afford either. Have at least two family members verify all service details before publishing.
- Bragging. An obituary is not a resume. Skip job titles that don’t add meaning, professional achievements that the person didn’t care about, and any line that reads as competitive. Focus on what mattered to them.
- Using AI without editing. AI tools are a starting point, not a final draft. The most common AI failure is generic praise that could apply to anyone. Personalize every paragraph. Add specific memories. Cut anything that sounds like a stranger wrote it.
- Missing publication deadlines. Most newspapers have specific deadlines for next-day publication (often noon or 3 p.m. the day before). Funeral directors usually handle this — but if you’re submitting yourself, ask the paper directly.
- No family approval before publishing. An obituary is a public, permanent record. Once it’s in the paper, it’s in the paper. Send the draft to immediate family for approval before submission. Allow at least 24 hours for review when possible.
- Including private conflicts. Estrangements, family disputes, and old wounds do not belong in an obituary. The audience is not just the immediate family — it’s neighbors, coworkers, distant relatives, and the historical record. Take the high road.
Obituary Etiquette — Sensitive Situations
Some losses bring complications that the standard obituary template doesn’t cover. Here’s how thoughtful families handle the most common ones.
Writing about a sudden death
“Suddenly” or “unexpectedly” are accepted softeners. You don’t owe an explanation of how — only that it was unexpected. Focus on who they were. If it helps the family to acknowledge the shock, a brief sentence (“James leaves us far too soon, and the loss is a shock to everyone who loved him”) is appropriate. Take your time. There is no requirement that the obituary run within 24 hours.
Writing about death by suicide
The decision to mention suicide in an obituary is deeply personal. There’s no right answer — many families say nothing, others mention it directly, others write “died from the disease of depression.” If you choose to include it, consider closing with mental health resources: “In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention,” or include the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number. Be gentle with yourselves and with each other in the writing.
Writing about death from addiction or overdose
Many families now choose to name addiction directly in obituaries — both to honor the person’s long fight and to reduce stigma. Phrasing like “after a long battle with addiction” or “died from the disease of addiction” is increasingly common. Others prefer “died unexpectedly.” Either is appropriate. If the family wishes, a closing line directing donations to a recovery organization can transform a private tragedy into something that helps others.
Estranged family members — should they be listed?
The convention is to list immediate biological and legal family — children, spouses, siblings, parents — regardless of the state of the relationship. Omitting an estranged child or sibling is noticeable and can cause public hurt. If the relationship is genuinely impossible, the safer route is to be neutral: list them by name only, without endearments. Discuss with the family before deciding. The decision is yours, but it is permanent.
Including a beloved pet
Pets can absolutely be included in the surviving family list, especially if the person was particularly devoted to them. Phrasing like “and her beloved dog Murphy” at the end of the survivors paragraph is becoming standard. Some newspapers still object — most don’t. If it mattered to the person, it belongs in the obituary.
Multiple marriages and blended families
Standard practice is to mention the current spouse in the death announcement and survivors list, and to mention previous spouses only if they are the parent of children also being listed. Stepchildren and stepgrandchildren can be listed simply as “children” and “grandchildren” if that’s how the family thinks of them. Blended families are families. Use the words that reflect the relationships as they were lived.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an obituary?
An obituary is a published announcement of a person's death. Most obituaries include their full name, age, place of residence, date of death, a brief biography, surviving family members, and details about the funeral or memorial service. Obituaries are published in newspapers, on funeral home websites, and on online memorial sites — they tell a person's life story in 200 to 400 words.
How long should an obituary be?
Most obituaries run 200 to 400 words. Newspapers often charge by the line, so shorter is cheaper. Funeral home websites have no length limit, so families often publish a longer version online and a shorter version in print. The right length is whatever honors the person without padding the text — every sentence should earn its place.
How much does an obituary cost?
Local newspapers typically charge $100–$500 per obituary, sometimes per line. Major papers like the New York Times can cost $300–$2,000 or more. Funeral home websites and online memorial sites (like Legacy.com) often publish obituaries for free. Many families publish a short version in print and a longer version online to balance cost and reach.
What should you include in an obituary?
Include the person's full name (with nicknames in quotes), age, city, date and place of death, date and place of birth, parents' names, education, career, military service if applicable, character traits and passions, surviving family members, predeceased family, service details, and donation requests. Keep it focused on what made them who they were.
Should you include the cause of death in an obituary?
It's optional and entirely your family's choice. Many families include it for clarity (especially for sudden deaths) so they don't have to repeat the explanation. Others prefer "passed away peacefully" or "after a brief illness" for privacy. There's no wrong answer — do what feels right for your family.
What's the format of an obituary?
A traditional obituary has five parts in this order: a death announcement (name, age, city, date), a biographical sketch (birth, education, career, character), a list of surviving family members, service and memorial details, and a closing line. Format dates as "Month Day, Year." List family members with their cities. Keep it factual but warm.
Can I get a free obituary template?
Yes — this page includes eight free obituary templates you can copy and customize, plus downloadable Word and PDF versions of the most common formats. You can use them as a starting point and personalize them with your loved one's specific details. All templates here are free to use, with no signup required.
What's the easiest way to write an obituary?
The easiest way is to start with a template, fill in the basic facts (name, age, dates, family), then add the personal details that made them who they were — their character, their passions, their stories. Use our obituary writer above to generate a personalized starting point in under five minutes, then edit it freely until it sounds right.
How do you start an obituary?
Start with the basic facts: full name, age, city, and date of death. The most common opening is "[Name], [age], of [city], passed away on [date]." You can soften "passed away" with phrases like "left us peacefully" or "was called home." Avoid flowery openings — readers come to obituaries first for facts, then for stories.
Who writes an obituary?
Obituaries are typically written by a close family member or friend, often with help from the funeral director. Some families divide the work — one person writes the biographical section, another adds family memories, the funeral director handles formatting and publication. Some people write their own obituaries in advance, which is becoming more common.
What's the difference between an obituary and a death notice?
A death notice is a brief paid notification (usually 30–60 words) that announces a death, lists immediate family, and gives service details. An obituary is longer (200–400+ words), tells the person's life story, and reads more like a tribute. Many families publish both — a death notice immediately, then a fuller obituary a few days later.
Can you write your own obituary?
Yes, and many people do. Writing your own obituary in advance gives you control over how your story is told, eases the burden on grieving family, and can be a meaningful exercise in reflection. Keep a copy with your important documents and let your family know where to find it. Update it every few years as life changes.
What should you NOT put in an obituary?
Skip family conflicts, addresses (for privacy), Social Security numbers (for fraud prevention), graphic details about death, anything the deceased would have wanted private, and anything that excludes or wounds family members. Some families intentionally omit estranged relatives — that's a personal call, but consider whether the omission will cause public hurt or confusion.
How do you write an obituary for a sudden or tragic death?
Be honest but gentle. "Suddenly" or "unexpectedly" are accepted softeners. You don't have to explain how — just acknowledge that the loss is sudden. Focus on who they were, not how they died. If the death was by suicide and you choose to include that, consider linking to mental health resources at the end. Take your time; obituaries don't have to be published immediately.
How do you write an obituary for someone who lived a long life?
Lean celebratory. Include the full arc of their life — childhood, marriage, career, retirement, hobbies that bloomed in later years, the family they built. Specific details matter more than generic praise. "Helen made the best chocolate chip cookies in three counties" lands harder than "Helen was a wonderful baker."
Can you use AI or a generator to write an obituary?
Yes. A tool gives you structure and a starting point, especially when grief makes writing impossible. Use the generated obituary as a foundation, but always personalize it: add specific memories, double-check every fact, get family approval before publishing. The recipient won't care that you used a tool. They'll care that you got it right.
What's the difference between an obituary and a eulogy?
An obituary is written, factual, published in a newspaper or online — it announces the death and tells the person's story. A eulogy is spoken, personal, delivered at the funeral or memorial — it shares memories and honors the person's life out loud. Most services need both: an obituary to inform, a eulogy to grieve and remember.
Have you written down your own wishes?
Make it easier on the people you love. A simple, legally valid will takes about 15 minutes — and includes the chance to write your own obituary in advance.
Sponsored placement.
This tool generates a respectful starting point. Please review every detail — names, dates, family relationships, service times — with family before publishing. An obituary is a public, permanent record.