Obituary Examples and Templates

When you sit down to write an obituary, you are usually operating on very little sleep, managing family phone calls, and staring at a newspaper deadline. Having a blank screen in front of you only makes the weight feel heavier.

An obituary does two jobs at once. First, it serves as a practical public record, announcing a death and giving friends and neighbors the logistics for a visitation, funeral, or memorial gathering. Second, it captures a snapshot of a human life, noting where someone came from, who they loved, and the small quirks that made them recognizable to their community.

The examples below cover different lengths, tones, and family structures. You can borrow their phrasing, swap in your own dates and family names, and adjust them to fit your budget and local paper guidelines.

Short obituary examples

Most local newspapers charge for obituaries by the word, the character, or the column inch. A full-page write-up in a metropolitan daily can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If your budget is tight, or if the print publication imposes strict space limits, a concise obituary under 150 words covers every essential detail with dignity.

Short print notice (under 100 words)

Robert "Bob" Vance Miller, 78, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died peacefully on October 14, 2024, at Oak Valley Hospital. Born on June 3, 1946, Bob worked for 34 years as a machinist at Apex Precision Manufacturing and spent his retirement restoring classic pickup trucks. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Janice; his son, Keith (Sarah); his daughter, Megan; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 26, at Oakridge Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cedar Valley Humane Society.

This short notice works because it delivers all essential facts in five sentences: birth, death location, career, hobbies, immediate family, service details, and memorial preference. It avoids costly filler while remaining warm and informative.

Concise modern notice (around 150 words)

Elena Marie Santos, 64, of Tucson, Arizona, died at home on November 2, 2024, surrounded by family after a brief illness. Elena was born in Douglas, Arizona, on August 19, 1960, to Carlos and Teresa Santos. For nearly three decades, she greeted students and teachers as the front office secretary at Pinecrest High School, where her desk was always stocked with mints and school supplies. Elena loved desert gardening, pan dulce from Le Cave's Bakery, and Friday night card games with her sisters. She is survived by her daughter, Marisa (Daniel) Morales; her mother, Teresa; sisters Carmen and Lucia; and her beloved grandson, Mateo. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, November 15, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park. Friends are invited to dress comfortably in bright colors.

This example uses the extra fifty words to add color, mentioning her candy jar and bakery preference. Those small, specific details help readers immediately picture who Elena was in daily life.

Traditional and formal obituary examples

Traditional obituaries follow a chronological structure: birth, education, military service or career milestones, marriage, community involvement, survivors, and formal funeral arrangements. This style is often preferred for historic community members, veterans, or families who value classic newspaper etiquette.

Classic community tribute

Arthur James Pendleton, longtime resident of Greenfield, Massachusetts, passed away on September 18, 2024, at the age of 86.

Arthur was born in Greenfield on January 12, 1938, the son of George and Eleanor (Foster) Pendleton. He graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1956 and served honorably in the United States Army from 1958 to 1961, stationed in West Germany. Upon returning home, he joined Main Street Hardware, the family business founded by his grandfather, which Arthur operated until his retirement in 2003.

A committed civic volunteer, Arthur served on the Greenfield Town Council for two terms, was an active member of the Rotary Club for 40 years, and sang tenor in the choir at Grace Community Church. He was an avid trout fisherman who knew every bend of the Deerfield River.

Arthur is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Miriam (Caldwell) Pendleton; two sons, David (Laura) of Amherst and Gregory (Patricia) of Northampton; and four grandchildren, Samuel, Claire, Benjamin, and Hannah. He was predeceased by his sister, Barbara Ann Hayes.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, September 26, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Riverside Funeral Home, in Greenfield. A funeral service will take place on Friday, September 27, at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Community Church, followed by burial with military honors at Riverside Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be directed to the Greenfield Public Library Building Fund.

This formal structure works well because it documents civic duty, military background, and multi-generational ties in a clean, chronological order that feels permanent and respectful.

Traditional long-form tribute

Margaret Louise Higgins (nee Gallagher), 91, of Oak Park, Illinois, entered eternal rest on December 4, 2024, at Midwest Regional Medical Center in Chicago.

Born on July 11, 1933, on the South Side of Chicago, Margaret was the eldest of six children born to Irish immigrant parents, Patrick and Kathleen Gallagher. She attended St. Jude Academy and later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Great Lakes University in 1955. Margaret dedicated her career to pediatric healthcare, serving for 38 years as a registered nurse at Children's General Hospital until her retirement in 1993.

On June 14, 1958, she married Francis "Frank" Higgins at St. Mark Catholic Church. Together they raised five children in Oak Park, filling their home on Kenilworth Avenue with music, books, and large Sunday dinners. Margaret was known for her quick Irish wit, her encyclopedic knowledge of classic films, and her commitment to local literacy programs.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, in 2011; her daughter, Kathleen Higgins; and three brothers, John, Michael, and Joseph Gallagher. Margaret leaves behind four children: Patrick (Diane) Higgins, Maureen (James) Doyle, Brian (Deirdre) Higgins, and Timothy Higgins; two sisters, Eileen Walsh and Sheila Kelly; eleven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 11, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Meadowview Funeral Home in Oak Park. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 12, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, in Oak Park. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Hillside. In Margaret's memory, contributions may be made to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

This format is standard for large Catholic or traditional families. It handles maiden names, multiple siblings, and extensive generational rosters without losing clarity.

Modern and conversational obituary examples

Modern obituaries place less emphasis on resume lines and more emphasis on character, personality, and humor. They read like a story told across a kitchen table, capturing how the person actually lived and how they made other people feel.

Warm, story-driven remembrance

Marcus Alan Reed, 51, of Asheville, North Carolina, died on October 29, 2024, after a courageous three-year encounter with colon cancer. He faced his illness the same way he lived: with fierce optimism, dry humor, and a playlist for every mood.

Born in Greensboro on March 14, 1973, Marcus grew up pulling apart radios and skateboarding down hills he should have avoided. He spent twenty years working as a residential carpenter, leaving his signature craftsmanship in porches and timber-framed kitchens across western North Carolina. If Marcus built something for you, it was square, sturdy, and usually came with an unsolicited lecture on proper wood finishes.

Outside of work, Marcus was a fixture at local trailheads with his shelter mutt, Banjo, and could reliably be found on Sunday mornings making sourdough pancakes while listening to bluegrass. He had zero patience for small talk, infinite patience for teaching kids how to swing a hammer, and the rarest gift of making people feel completely heard.

Marcus is survived by his partner in love and adventure, Rachel Vance; his two children, Silas (14) and Junie (11); his parents, Donald and Barbara Reed; and his brother, Jason.

A gathering of friends and family will take place on Saturday, November 9, at 3:00 p.m. at the North Carolina Arboretum, followed by an informal reception with good food and live music. Please leave your suits in the closet. If you wish to honor Marcus, consider planting a native tree or donating to the Western North Carolina Workers' Center.

This obituary works because it bypasses generic adjectives like "hardworking" and shows his personality through specific actions: pulling apart radios, sourdough pancakes, and his dislike of small talk.

Creative, spirited celebration of life

Chloe Danielle Becker, 38, of Portland, Oregon, stepped off the mortal stage on August 12, 2024.

Chloe came into the world on December 22, 1985, in Boise, Idaho, already determined to do everything in her own signature style. Over the course of 38 full and noisy years, she was a vintage clothing scout, a competitive pub trivia anchor, and the undisputed queen of over-elaborate birthday cakes. If an outfit did not feature at least one clash of pattern or color, Chloe considered it unfinished.

Her kitchen table was the unofficial embassy for anyone in Portland going through a breakup, an artistic slump, or a sudden crisis of confidence. She handed you a cup of strong tea, played a record, and told you exactly what you needed to hear. She loved used bookstores, 1970s funk, and rescue cats with dignified human names.

Chloe leaves behind her parents, Martin and Susan Becker of Boise; her sister, Allison (Tyler) Stone; her nephew, Felix; her partner, Julian Gray; and her senior cat, Arthur Pendelton III.

A celebration of Chloe's life will be held on Sunday, August 25, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Crystal Ballroom. Wear your loudest pattern and bring your best story. Donations in Chloe's name may be sent to the Cat Adoption Team of Sherwood, Oregon.

This modern approach captures a vibrant young adult's voice without trivializing grief. It signals to friends that the memorial will be an authentic celebration rather than a somber formality.

Faith-based and religious obituary examples

When spiritual conviction was central to someone's life, the obituary often highlights their home church, their service within the ministry, and their trust in eternal life. Scripture verses and hymns are commonly integrated into the text.

Christian scripture and church community focus

Pastor David Lee Washington, 72, of Birmingham, Alabama, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 10, 2024.

David was born on April 5, 1952, in Montgomery, Alabama, to the late Reverend John and Mary Washington. Answering the call to ministry early in life, he graduated from Oakwood University and later earned his Master of Divinity from Grace Theological Seminary. For 31 years, Pastor Washington faithfully shepherded the congregation of Hope Valley Baptist Church in Birmingham, preaching grace, feeding the hungry, and visiting the sick until his health forced him to step down in 2019.

His life was defined by the promise of 2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." He found his greatest earthly joy in his family and in hearing the sanctuary choir sing on Sunday mornings.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Carolyn (Jackson) Washington; his children, Stephen (Tasha) Washington, Angela (Marcus) Davis, and Jonathan Washington; eight grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, church family, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Samuel Washington.

Homegoing services will be held on Saturday, November 16, at 11:00 a.m. at Hope Valley Baptist Church, in Birmingham, with Reverend Dr. Marcus Taylor officiating. Viewing will begin at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery. In honor of Pastor Washington's life of service, memorials may be made to the Grace Fellowship Community Food Pantry.

This example reflects the language and cadence of traditional Black church traditions, using terms like "Homegoing" and "called to ministry," creating a comfortingly familiar tribute for his church community.

Interfaith or spiritual reflection

Sunita Rao Patel, 69, of Naperville, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home on October 2, 2024, surrounded by chanting and loved ones.

Born on July 14, 1955, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, Sunita immigrated to the United States in 1978 with her husband, Ramesh. A passionate educator with a master's degree in chemistry, she taught high school science for 25 years in the Indian Prairie School District, inspiring hundreds of young women to pursue careers in STEM.

Sunita lived by the principle of seva, selfless service to others. She was an active volunteer at the Om Shanti Mandir in Lemont, taught Hindi language classes on weekends, and prepared hot meals for local women's shelters every month. She believed deeply in the unity of all faiths and kept a home where everyone felt welcomed and fed.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Ramesh; her son, Amit (Priya) Patel; her daughter, Neha (Vikram) Shah; four cherished grandchildren, Aarav, Ananya, Kabir, and Maya; and two brothers in India.

Antyeshti (funeral rites) will be held on Saturday, October 5, at 10:30 a.m. at Crestview Mortuary, in Bolingbrook. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Sunita's memory to Pratham USA, supporting education for underprivileged children.

This obituary balances cultural and religious heritage with American community milestones, introducing traditional Hindu rites clearly so friends of all backgrounds know how to attend.

Obituary examples by relationship

Sometimes writing becomes easier when you focus on the central role the person played in your family. Here are examples tailored to writing for a parent, a spouse, or an adult sibling.

For a parent or grandparent

Harold "Gene" Eugene Cooper, 83, of Springfield, Missouri, died on September 5, 2024, after a full and well-lived life.

Gene was born on November 17, 1940, in Bolivar, Missouri, to Ralph and Dorothy Cooper. After graduating from Central State University, he spent four decades working as a rural route mail carrier for the National Delivery Services. Gene knew every dog, every gravel driveway, and every family on Route 4, often delivering packages directly to front porches in heavy snowstorms.

To his four children, Gene was the man who could fix any lawnmower, who never missed a Little League game, and who insisted that turning off the air conditioner and opening the windows was "character-building." To his eight grandchildren, he was Grandpa Gene: the source of butterscotch hard candies, patient fishing lessons at Table Rock Lake, and stories that grew slightly more dramatic with each telling.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Shirley (Patterson) Cooper. He is survived by his children: Randall (Kim) Cooper of Nixa, Brenda (Scott) Meyer of Ozark, Bradley (Jennifer) Cooper of Columbia, and Amy (Mark) Campbell of Springfield; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 12, at Fairview Funeral Home, with visitation starting at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ozarks Food Harvest.

This tribute focuses on everyday fatherhood and grandfatherhood. Instead of generic praise, it references butterscotch candies, fishing at Table Rock Lake, and lawnmower repairs, giving readers an affectionate portrait of family life.

For a partner or spouse

Nora Christine Lindqvist, 44, of Duluth, Minnesota, died on November 18, 2024, after a sudden cardiac event.

Born in Minneapolis on January 8, 1980, Nora moved north to Duluth for college and never left. She worked as an environmental planner for St. Louis County, working to protect the wetlands and shoreline corridors of Lake Superior. She believed that public spaces belonged to everyone and spent her career advocating for accessible trails and parks.

In 2008, Nora met her husband, Christopher Bell, on an icy cross-country ski trail when she stopped to help him find a lost ski pole. They married on the shores of Lake Superior in 2011 and built a life defined by cold-water swims, wool sweaters, and mutual respect. Nora was Christopher's steady anchor, his favorite travel companion, and the smartest person in any room she walked into.

Nora is survived by her grieving husband, Christopher; her parents, Lars and Ingrid Lindqvist of Minnetonka; her brother, Erik (Marta) Lindqvist; her parents-in-law, Thomas and Linda Bell; and her two golden retrievers, Sisu and Birch.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, November 30, at 11:00 a.m. at Glensheen Mansion's Winter Garden in Duluth. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be directed to the Superior Hiking Trail Association in Nora's honor.

Writing for a partner is intensely personal. This example succeeds by centering the bond between the couple, sharing the story of how they met without overshadowing her independent career and environmental contributions.

For an adult child or sibling

Teresa "Tess" Anne Morales, 32, of Austin, Texas, passed away on October 8, 2024.

Tess was born in San Antonio on February 24, 1992, the middle daughter of Javier and Maria Morales. From childhood, she was the peacemaker, the organizer, and the sister who kept the family group chat active. She earned her degree in graphic design from Lone Star State University and worked as a creative director for several Austin tech startups, bringing empathy and clean lines to every project.

Tess had an uncanny eye for mid-century furniture, made legendary breakfast tacos, and loved swimming in Barton Springs on hot Tuesday mornings. Her sisters will miss her sharp advice, her closet that was always open for borrowing, and her deep belly laugh that could reset the mood in any room.

She is survived by her heartbroken parents, Javier and Maria; her older sister, Sofia (Marco) Ramirez; her younger sister, Isabel Morales; her niece, Elena; her long-term partner, Sean Gallagher; and her rescue dog, Pepper.

A celebration of Tess's life will be held on Sunday, October 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Barr Mansion in Austin. Please wear casual attire with boots if you have them. Donations in memory of Tess may be made to Austin Pets Alive!.

Writing for someone who died young requires restraint and care. This example honors Tess's warmth and sibling role, letting the family's deep affection show through without sounding forced or clinical.

How to structure an obituary step by step

If none of the examples match your situation exactly, you can assemble your own obituary using this standard five-part template.

1. The Announcement State the person's full name, age, city of residence, date of death, and where they died (such as at home, in hospice, or at a specific hospital). You do not have to provide the medical cause of death unless the family chooses to do so.

2. The Biography Cover birth details, parents, childhood town, schooling, military service, and career. Keep this section proportional. If they worked as an accountant for 40 years but lived for their vegetable garden, spend as much time on the tomatoes as on the spreadsheets.

3. Personality and Personal Passions Add two or three specific sentences that describe their everyday habits. Mention their favorite radio station, their signature holiday dish, their sports fandom, or the volunteer work they did quietly.

4. Surviving Family and Predeceased Relatives List close family members. The conventional order is surviving spouse or partner, children (with spouses in parentheses), grandchildren, parents, and siblings. Follow this with predeceased family: "She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Ann, and her brother, James."

5. Service Details and Memorials Give clear dates, times, and locations for all public events (visitation, funeral, reception, burial). If the family prefers charitable contributions instead of cut flowers, specify the organization and where to send gifts.

Balancing length, tone, and newspaper costs

Before you finalize your draft, call the funeral home or the newspaper's obituary desk to ask two crucial questions:

• What is the word count limit or line charge for the print edition?
• Does the fee include a photo, and does the photo count against the column height?

Many families write two distinct versions of the obituary.

The first is a short print notice (between 75 and 125 words) that runs in the local newspaper. It contains the bare biographical facts, family survivors, and service logistics so community members know when and where to pay their respects.

The second is a longer online obituary (400 to 800 words) published on the funeral home's website, an online memorial registry, or social media. Online platforms rarely charge by the word, giving you the space to include stories, photo galleries, detailed lists of nieces and nephews, and favorite memories.

Common questions

What is the difference between a death notice and an obituary?

A death notice is a short, factual announcement placed in a newspaper, often paid for by the family or filed by the funeral home. It typically includes only the person's name, age, date of death, and service times. An obituary is a longer narrative tribute that details the person's life history, accomplishments, personality, and family tree. In modern newspapers, however, almost all tributes placed by families are paid notices, regardless of length.

How should we list stepchildren, ex-spouses, and partners?

Modern obituaries reflect how modern families actually live. Unmarried life partners are frequently listed alongside or right after a spouse: "He is survived by his loving partner of 14 years, Sarah Jenkins." Stepchildren can be integrated smoothly: "his children, Mark, Allison, and stepson Leo." Ex-spouses are generally only included if they remained close friends or co-parents, often phrased as: "He leaves behind his former wife and lifelong friend, Patricia." The key rule is honesty tempered with kindness to avoid reopening old family conflicts.

Do we have to include the cause of death?

No. You are never obligated to disclose medical details, diagnosis names, or circumstances of death. Many families simply write "died peacefully," "died after an illness," or "passed away surrounded by family." If the family chooses to raise awareness about a specific condition, such as Alzheimer's, cancer, or addiction, it is often tied directly to the memorial donation request at the end of the text.

Who typically reviews the obituary before publication?

At least two people should proofread the final draft before it goes to print: one close family member who knows the exact spelling of all relatives' names, and the funeral director or newspaper editor. When you are grieving, it is remarkably easy to accidentally omit a grandchild's name, mix up a sister-in-law's married name, or print an incorrect date for the Saturday service. Take twenty minutes to read the draft out loud slowly before submitting it.