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How to Write an Obituary: Simple Guide + Free Template
Writing an obituary can feel overwhelming when you’re grieving. You want to honor the person you love, but finding the right words is hard.
This guide makes the process clearer. You’ll learn exactly what to include, see simple examples, and get a free obituary template you can customize and use in a funeral or memorial program.
What Is an Obituary?
An obituary is a short written notice that announces a person’s death and shares key details about their life. It usually appears in a newspaper, on a funeral home website, or inside a funeral/memorial program.
A good obituary does three things:
- Announces the passing
- Shares the most important facts about the person’s life
- Offers a sense of who they were
It does not need to be long or perfect. Sincerity matters more than polished writing.
Free Obituary Template
Here’s a simple, adaptable template you can copy:
[Full Name]
[Age], of [City, State], passed away on [Date of Death] at [Location, if desired].
Born on [Date of Birth] in [Place of Birth], [he/she/they] was the son/daughter of [Parents’ Names].
[He/She/They] was a [occupation or main life role] and will be remembered for [one or two key qualities or passions].
[He/She/They] is survived by [list close family members].
A [funeral / memorial / celebration of life] will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location].
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [Charity Name], if desired.
Want this in an easy-to-edit format?
Download the free Farewell Files / Funeral Essentials Kit. It includes a ready-to-use obituary template, funeral program templates, and a fill-in-the-blank eulogy helper.
Step-by-Step: How to Write an Obituary
1. Start with the Basic Facts
Include:
- Full name (and nickname if commonly used)
- Age
- Date and place of death
- City or town where they lived
2. Share Birth and Family Background
- Date and place of birth
- Parents’ names
- Brief note about early life or where they grew up (optional)
3. Highlight Life and Work
Mention:
- Occupation or main life roles
- Military service (if applicable)
- Education or meaningful achievements
- Passions, hobbies, or community involvement
Keep this section concise — two to four sentences is usually enough.
4. Describe Personality and Character
This is often the most meaningful part. Share one or two qualities that defined them, such as kindness, humor, faith, generosity, or love of family.
5. List Surviving Family
Common order:
- Spouse or partner
- Children
- Grandchildren
- Siblings
- Other close relatives
You can also note family members who preceded them in death if desired.
6. Add Service Information
Include:
- Type of service (funeral, memorial, celebration of life)
- Date, time, and location
- Any reception or graveside details
- Donation information, if applicable
Short Obituary Example
Margaret “Maggie” Ellen Hayes, 78, of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026.
Born in San Antonio on March 3, 1948, Maggie was a devoted teacher, mother, and grandmother. She will be remembered for her warm laugh, love of gardening, and the way she made everyone feel welcome at her table.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Robert; her children, Sarah and David; and five grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 20, at 2:00 p.m. at Oak Springs Community Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local animal shelter.
Tips for Writing a Meaningful Obituary
- Write in a natural, warm voice
- Focus on what mattered most to the person and the family
- Keep it between 150–300 words for most programs and online notices
- Avoid overly formal or distant language
- Have at least one other person read it before finalizing
- Double-check all names, dates, and spellings
Using the Obituary in a Funeral Program
Many families place a shortened version of the obituary inside the funeral or memorial program. The free templates in the Farewell Files kit are already set up with space for this section.
If you need a complete program design, you can also browse customizable options in my Zazzle Texas2Step store.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should an obituary be?
Most are 150–300 words. Newspaper obituaries may have length or cost limits, while program versions can be slightly shorter.
Do I have to include every family member?
No. Focus on the closest surviving relatives. You can add “and many other loving family and friends” if needed.
Can I write a more personal or celebration-of-life style obituary?
Yes. Many families now write warmer, more story-driven obituaries that reflect personality rather than only formal facts.
Where can I get a free obituary template?
Download the free Farewell Files / Funeral Essentials Kit for a ready-to-use template.
Should the obituary go in the funeral program?
Yes, most programs include a short life tribute or abbreviated obituary.
Ready to Write the Obituary?
You don’t have to get every word perfect. A sincere, clear obituary is a meaningful gift to everyone who loved the person.
Start here:
Download the free Farewell Files kit for an easy obituary template plus matching funeral program templates.
Need a polished program design as well?
Browse the funeral and memorial collections in my Zazzle store.
If you need extra support during this process, you can also reach out about custom design help or my Funeral Friend support service.
Take it one sentence at a time. That is enough.
