How to Write an Obituary (Step-by-Step Guide + Template)

Writing an obituary can feel overwhelming—especially while grieving. This guide makes it simple by showing you what to include, how to structure it, and how to write something meaningful and respectful.

🕊️ What Is an Obituary?

An obituary is a public notice of someone’s passing that:

• Shares key life details

• Honors their legacy

• Provides funeral or memorial information

  
  

It can be published online, in newspapers, or shared with family and friends.

✍️ Step 1: Start with Basic Information

Begin with the essentials:

• Full name (including maiden name if applicable)

• Age

• Date of passing

• City/state of residence

Example:

Maria L. Johnson, 68, of Greensboro, NC, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026.

❤️ Step 2: Share Their Life Story

This is the heart of the obituary.

Include:

• Birthplace and date

• Education

• Career highlights

• Military service (if applicable)

• Hobbies, passions, or achievements

  
  

💡 Keep it personal and meaningful—not just a list of facts.

👨‍👩‍👧 Step 3: List Family Members

Traditionally, you list:

Survived by:

• Spouse/partner

• Children

• Grandchildren

• Siblings

  
  

Preceded in death by (optional):

• Parents

• Spouse

• Siblings

🕯️ Step 4: Include Service Details

Provide clear information for those who want to attend.

Include:

• Date and time

• Location

• Type of service (funeral, memorial, viewing)

🌸 Step 5: Add Special Messages (Optional)

You can include:

• Donation requests (charity, church, cause)

• Personal quotes or scripture

• A short message about their legacy

💡 Step 6: Keep the Tone Respectful and Warm

• Use kind, simple language

• Focus on positive memories

• Avoid overly long or complicated wording

  
  

👉 Think: “What would they want people to remember?”

🐱 Quick Tip (Keeping It Real)

You don’t have to make it perfect 🐾

The goal is to honor your loved one—not to write a masterpiece.

📝 Obituary Template (Easy to Copy & Use)

Here’s a simple template you can use:

[Full Name], [Age], of [City, State], passed away on [Date].

[He/She/They] was born on [Birth Date] in [Birthplace] to [Parents’ Names].

[Name] worked as a [Career/Profession] and was known for [qualities, achievements, or passions].

[He/She/They] enjoyed [hobbies/interests] and will be remembered for [personality traits or impact].

[Name] is survived by [list family members].

[He/She/They] was preceded in death by [optional].

A [funeral/memorial] service will be held on [date] at [location].

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [charity or organization].

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving out key details (dates, service info)

• Making it too long or too short

• Forgetting to proofread names and dates

• Using overly formal or impersonal language

🎯 Final Thoughts

Writing an obituary is one of the most meaningful ways to honor someone’s life.

It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to be:

• Honest

• Respectful

• Personal

🚀 Call to Action

Planning ahead can make this process easier for your family.

👉 Visit InsuredStash.com to:

• Learn how life insurance helps cover final expenses

• Prepare your family for the future

• Make difficult moments a little easier

  
  

Honor their life. Preserve their story. Support your loved ones. 💙