Writing an obituary can feel overwhelming, but it’s a meaningful way to honor a loved one’s life. Here’s a quick summary of how to write an obituary:
- Start with the basics: Include the full name, age, date of passing, and key life details like birth, education, career, and family.
- Highlight their story: Share their achievements, hobbies, personality traits, and impact on others.
- Organize clearly: Use sections like announcement, biography, family, and service details.
- Add personal touches: Include memorable anecdotes or quotes to make it heartfelt.
- Review carefully: Double-check names, dates, and relationships for accuracy.
- Publish thoughtfully: Share online or in print, and consider using digital tools for ease.
Whether you’re sharing a short announcement or a detailed tribute, focus on celebrating their life and legacy.
How to Write a Meaningful Obituary for a Funeral Program
Step 1: Collect Basic Information
Start by gathering the most important personal details.
Personal Details to Gather
You’ll need to collect:
- Full legal name, including maiden name if relevant
- Date and location of death
- Age at the time of passing
- Date and place of birth
- Current residence
Double-check dates and spellings with reliable sources to ensure accuracy. Once this is done, focus on documenting the key events of their life.
Key Life Events
Highlight the major milestones and accomplishments, such as:
- Educational background
- Career achievements
- Military service (if applicable)
- Community contributions
- Awards or recognitions
- Hobbies and personal interests
- Religious or spiritual affiliations
To bring their story to life, ask family members questions like:
- What three words best describe their personality?
- Which achievements meant the most to them?
- What unique traits or habits made them stand out?
- How did they leave a mark on their community?
Family Information
When listing surviving family members, follow this order:
- Spouse or partner
- Children (include spouses in parentheses, e.g., Doug (Susan) Smith)
- Grandchildren (state the total number, e.g., "survived by 7 grandchildren")
- Great-grandchildren (also use a total number)
- Parents
- Siblings
For family members who passed away earlier, mention them with similar formatting. In blended families, describe relationships in a way that reflects how the family saw them – for example, referring to stepchildren simply as children if appropriate.
Verify family details with multiple relatives to avoid mistakes or omissions that could cause hurt feelings. Accuracy is key!
Step 2: Organize the Content
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary details, it’s time to arrange everything into a clear and logical format.
Basic Obituary Layout
Start with a simple announcement of the passing. Include the person’s full name, age, city of residence, and the date of death. Here’s an example:
"John Robert Smith, 78, of Portland, Oregon, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Providence Portland Medical Center."
After that, outline the key events of their life in chronological order. Begin with their birth and early years, then move through major milestones. This structure helps readers follow their life story in an organized way.
Required Sections
Here are the main sections your obituary should include, along with what to cover in each:
| Section | Key Elements to Include |
|---|---|
| Announcement | Full name, age, place of residence, date, and location of death |
| Biography | Birth details, parents’ names, education, career highlights |
| Family | Names of surviving relatives and those who preceded them in death |
| Services | Date, time, location of services, and visitation details |
| Special Messages | Information about memorial donations, acknowledgments, or quotes |
Writing Flow Tips
To craft a meaningful and easy-to-read obituary:
- Start each section with a clear topic sentence to signal the focus of that part.
- Use natural transitions to connect paragraphs and maintain a smooth flow.
- Group related details together (e.g., list career accomplishments in one section).
When recounting achievements or life events, aim for a warm and respectful tone while keeping the details accurate. For example, instead of saying, "He worked at Intel", you could write, "John spent 35 years at Intel Corporation, leading teams in the development of cutting-edge microprocessor technology."
If you’re including memorial donation details, place them at the end of the obituary. For instance: "In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association."
With this structure in place, you’re ready to move forward and write a heartfelt tribute in the next step.
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Step 3: Write the Tribute
Set the Right Tone
When writing an obituary, aim for a mix of formality and personal warmth. Think of it as speaking to someone close to the deceased – sharing memories and celebrating their life. Use clear, compassionate language. Bay Area freelance reporter Emma Goss offers this advice:
"Deliver it like you’re writing it to their husband or wife or best friend. Tell them something (positive) that they may not have known".
Once you’ve set the tone, bring it to life with meaningful details.
Add Personal Details
Turn basic life facts into a heartfelt story by including specific details that show the person’s character. Here are a few ideas:
| Detail Type | What to Include | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Hobbies & Passions | Activities they loved | "Amani was often seen tending to her flowerbed, a five-time winner of the local Garden Club annual competition." |
| Personality Traits | Unique habits and characteristics | "Known for her wit, she’d respond cheekily that her secret ingredients were ‘sun and water’." |
These small but vivid details can help paint a picture of their personality, making the tribute more heartfelt and memorable.
Describe Their Impact
Go beyond personal stories to show how their actions touched others. Use specific examples to illustrate their influence. For example, Donna Smith’s obituary highlighted her kindness and dedication:
"She loved to love on people. She sewed dolls and little quilted sayings constantly… For many years Donna worked at Atria/Crosslands Retirement Community in Sandy. It suited her servant heart".
Think about different areas of their life where they made an impact:
- Family Impact: Share how they enriched family life, perhaps by shaping values or creating traditions.
-
Professional Legacy: Mention career achievements or relationships. For instance, B.H. Spratt’s obituary noted:
"He formerly owned and operated Jack Spratt Exxon and will be remembered as B. H. Jack Spratt, a guy who could fix anything".
- Community Contributions: Highlight ways they supported their community, whether through volunteering, leadership, or simply being a good neighbor.
These examples help show how their life mattered to those around them.
Step 4: Review and Publish
Use clear and precise language during this phase to avoid errors and ensure everything is accurate.
Check All Details
Errors can be upsetting and difficult to fix later. Double-check these key areas:
| Element to Check | What to Verify | Common Errors to Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Details | Names, dates, relationships | Misspelled names, incorrect birth dates |
| Family Information | Survivors, predeceased relatives | Missing family members, incorrect relationships |
| Service Details | Times, locations, special instructions | Incorrect addresses, outdated service times |
It’s a good idea to have a family member review the details for accuracy before proceeding.
Submit for Publication
Different platforms have their own rules for publishing obituaries. Prepare a short version for print and a more detailed one for online use. Funeral homes often help with newspaper submissions, but be sure to approve any costs involved.
Share Online
Once published, expand the obituary’s reach by sharing it online. Notify close family members before posting.
Here are some online options to consider:
- RSVP tools for services
- Platforms for sharing photos and memories
- Donation links for chosen causes
- Interactive guest books
Create two formats: a short announcement for social media and a more detailed memorial page. Include direct links to the full obituary and service details so people can easily find all the information they need. Online obituaries often become spaces for shared mourning and support.
Step 5: Use Digital Tools
Digital tools can simplify the process of writing an obituary, helping you include all the essential details while maintaining a personal touch. By combining the structure and details you’ve already gathered, these tools can guide you toward creating a meaningful tribute.
Online Writing Tools
Online obituary generators provide step-by-step assistance, guiding you through the process when it might feel overwhelming. These tools prompt you for key information, making it easier to organize your thoughts. Before you begin, make sure you have all the details you’ve collected ready.
Here’s how to make the most of these tools:
- Have your notes and details prepared before starting.
- Follow the prompts provided by the tool.
- Save your work so you can review and refine it later.
If you’re looking for a practical way to get started, check out the free template tool below.
Free Obituary Template Tool
This tool offers a straightforward way to create a personalized obituary. Here’s what it provides:
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Guided Form | Helps you include all vital details. |
| Rapid Draft Creation | Quickly generates a complete draft. |
| Format Availability | Makes editing and sharing simple. |
| Free Access | Open to everyone at no cost. |
Customize Templates
While templates are a great starting point, adding personal touches ensures the tribute truly reflects your loved one.
Add Personal Details:
- Include favorite sayings or life mottos.
- Highlight special achievements.
- Share memorable personality traits.
- Reflect on their impact within the community.
Adapt the Language:
- Match their personality and tone.
- Incorporate family traditions or values.
- Respect cultural or religious elements.
- Emphasize their community connections.
Refine the Structure:
- Check the flow of events in chronological order.
- Mix factual details with heartfelt stories.
- Add meaningful quotes or phrases.
- Include service information for attendees.
These tools are meant to assist, not replace, your personal input. By blending the efficiency of technology with your unique memories, you can turn a basic draft into a heartfelt tribute that honors your loved one.
Conclusion
Writing an obituary is a way to honor your loved one’s life while sharing the news of their passing with others. It’s a delicate balance of including important information and personal touches that reflect their unique story.
Key elements of a thoughtful obituary include:
- Essential Details: Full name, age, date of passing, family members, and service arrangements.
- Personal Touches: Memorable moments, accomplishments, and personality traits.
- Practical Considerations: Ensuring accuracy, proper formatting, and meeting publication guidelines.
There are also tools available to make this process easier. For example, Legacy.com‘s ObitWriter and Ever Loved‘s AI tools provide free support in crafting a heartfelt tribute.
"Some of the most beautiful obituaries are ones that don’t follow a standard formula."
- Linnea Crowther, Legacy.com news editor
Bay Area reporter Emma Goss suggests a personal approach:
"Deliver it like you’re writing it to their husband or wife or best friend. Tell them something (positive) that they may not have known."
This guide has outlined how to gather details, structure your narrative, and use helpful tools to create a tribute that reflects your loved one’s life. Whether you choose to include humor, share cherished memories, or highlight their achievements, your words will serve as a meaningful memorial that celebrates their story.