Obituary Templates and Step-by-Step Writing Guide

How to use an obituary template when you are under a deadline

When you sit down to write an obituary, you are usually operating on very little sleep and facing a newspaper or funeral home deadline. You do not need to invent a brand new literary form. An obituary is primarily a public notice that does three things: it announces a death, summarizes a human life, and tells people where and when to gather.

Using a template does not make your tribute cold or impersonal. A template simply gives you the scaffolding so you do not leave out critical facts, such as the date of the service or the names of grandchildren. Once the basic facts are in place, you can add the personal memories, favorite hobbies, and specific turns of phrase that make the tribute sound like the person you loved.

Most local newspapers charge by the word, the line, or the column inch. A standard newspaper obituary runs between 200 and 450 words. Online memorial pages, funeral home websites, and social media announcements can be as long as you want, but sticking to 300 to 600 words keeps readers engaged and ensures the details remain clear.

The standard fill-in-the-blank obituary template

This template follows the standard structure used by funeral directors and local newspapers across the United States. You can copy this text directly, replace the bracketed prompts with your family's information, and remove any sentences that do not apply.

The master template

[Full name of deceased, including maiden name or nickname in quotes], [age], of [City, State], passed away on [Date of death] in [City, State where death occurred]. [He/She/They] died [optional: peacefully / surrounded by family / after an illness / unexpectedly] at [Location of death, such as home, hospital, or hospice care facility].

[First name] was born on [Date of birth] in [City, State] to [Parent 1 name] and [Parent 2 name]. [He/She/They] attended [High School name] and graduated from [College/University or trade program] in [Year] with a degree in [Field of study]. On [Date of marriage], [he/she/they] married [Spouse's full name] in [City, State]. Together they shared [number] years of marriage and raised [number] children.

[First name] worked as a [Career/Title] at [Company or Institution] for [number] years until [his/her/their] retirement in [Year]. [Include 2 to 4 sentences about career achievements, military service, community involvement, or volunteer work]. Outside of work, [First name] loved [List 2 to 4 hobbies, passions, or interests, such as tending a vegetable garden, woodworking, coaching Little League, or baking sourdough bread]. [He/She/They] will be remembered for [1 or 2 specific personality traits, such as dry humor, quiet patience, or generosity with neighborhood projects].

[First name] is survived by [his/her/their] [relation], [Name, optionally with spouse name in parentheses]; [relation], [Name]; and [number] grandchildren: [List grandchildren names]. [He/She/They] also leaves behind [optional: siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, or dear lifelong friends].

[First name] was preceded in death by [his/her/their] [relation], [Name]; and [relation], [Name].

[Service Information]: A [visitation / wake / gathering] will be held on [Day of week, Date] from [Start time] to [End time] at [Name of Funeral Home or Venue], located at [Street Address, City, State]. A [funeral service / memorial service / Mass of Christian Burial] will follow on [Day of week, Date] at [Time] at [Name of Church or Location]. [Optional: Burial / Interment] will take place at [Cemetery Name] in [City, State].

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in [First name]'s honor to [Name of charity, organization, or fund] at [Website or mailing address].

Explaining each section of the template

To make the writing smoother, review what belongs in each paragraph and what you can safely skip.

1. The announcement and opening line

State the person's full name, age, city of residence, and date of death clearly in the first sentence. Including a woman's maiden name helps old classmates, distant cousins, and former colleagues identify her. You can mention the cause of death if the family wishes, but you are never required to. Phrasing such as "passed away peacefully at home" or "died after a short illness" is standard and respectful.

2. Early life and biographical facts

List their birth date, birthplace, and parents' names. Mentioning schools, military service, and marriage dates helps anchor the timeline. Keep this chronological. If someone changed careers or moved across the country mid-life, state the progression in a simple, straightforward sentence.

3. Career, interests, and character

This is the core of the tribute. Avoid broad adjectives like "wonderful" or "extraordinary." Instead, share concrete details. If your father loved fishing, specify that he spent early mornings on Lake Michigan casting for perch. If your sister loved animals, mention the stray cats she took to the vet. Concrete details help the reader see the actual person.

4. Surviving and predeceased family members

Etiquette for listing family members follows a traditional order:

• Surviving spouse or partner
• Children and their spouses (listed by birth order: "Mark (Sarah) Davis, and Elena (Thomas) Vance")
• Grandchildren and great-grandchildren (can be listed individually or as a total count if the family is large)
• Parents and grandparents (if surviving)
• Siblings
• Predeceased family members (parents, siblings, or children who died before the deceased)

Be consistent. If you list spouses for one sibling or child, list them for all. If family dynamics are complex, consult other relatives beforehand to avoid hurt feelings.

5. Service times and memorial donations

Give readers exact logistics: the name of the venue, street address, day, and time. If services are private, state clearly: "Funeral services will be private." If the family prefers charitable donations instead of flowers, name the charity and provide a website or mailing address.

Complete worked example: Standard obituary

Here is how the master template looks when filled in.

Robert Arthur "Bob" Miller, 78, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on October 14 at Mercy Medical Center following a brief illness.

Bob was born on June 3, 1946, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Arthur and Clara (Kaufmann) Miller. After graduating from Oakridge High School in 1964, he served four years in the United States Navy as an electronics technician aboard the USS Intrepid. Following his honorable discharge, Bob attended the state university, earning a degree in mechanical engineering. On August 15, 1970, he married Nancy Lou Berg in Cedar Rapids, where they made their home for 54 years.

Bob worked for Apex Technologies for 31 years as a systems engineer, retiring in 2005. He was an active volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and spent fifteen summers coaching youth baseball at Noelridge Park. Bob was an avid woodworker whose handmade walnut side tables and birdhouses fill the homes of his family and neighbors. He enjoyed Saturday morning coffee with his breakfast group, working on his 1968 Ford truck, and playing euchre on cold evenings.

Bob is survived by his wife, Nancy; his three children, Daniel (Kelly) Miller of Des Moines, Sarah (Marcus) Lindquist of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Joseph Miller of Iowa City; six grandchildren, Lucas, Megan, Sam, Clara, Ben, and Henry; and his sister, Ruth Ann Miller of Madison, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Kenneth Miller.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 24, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Oakridge Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 25, at 10:30 a.m. at the same location, with burial to follow at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Habitat for Humanity of Linn County.

Template variations for specific situations

Depending on where you are publishing and the type of gathering you are planning, you may need a different format. Here are three common variations.

1. Short newspaper obituary (under 150 words)

Many printed newspapers charge by the word, line, or column inch, and a full-length print tribute can cost several hundred dollars or more depending on the publication. If you need to keep costs low while still providing the essential public record and service announcement, use this concise format.

Short fill-in-the-blank template

[Full Name], [age], of [City, State], died on [Date]. Born in [Birthplace], [he/she/they] was the [son/daughter] of [Parents' names]. [First name] worked for many years at [Company/Field] and loved [primary hobby]. [He/She/They] is survived by [spouse/partner], [children's names], and [grandchildren count/names]. Services will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. Memorial gifts may be sent to [Charity name].

Short worked example

Evelyn Martha (Schultz) Palmer, 84, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, died October 18, 2024. Born in York, she was the daughter of the late George and Hilda Schultz. Evelyn worked for 25 years as a medical records clerk at Community General Hospital and spent her free time cultivating award-winning dahlias. She is survived by her daughter, Karen (David) Weaver; her son, Brian Palmer; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Donald Palmer. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, November 2, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Community Church in Lancaster. Memorial donations may be made to the Lancaster Public Library.

2. Faith-based or religious obituary

If the person's religious faith was central to their life, the obituary can incorporate scripture, references to their spiritual home, and language reflecting their beliefs about eternity.

Faith-based fill-in-the-blank template

[Full Name], [age], of [City, State], went home to be with [his/her/their] Lord and Savior on [Date], resting in the promise of eternal life. [He/She/They] died [location details], surrounded by loved ones.

[First name] was born on [Date] to [Parents' names]. Throughout [his/her/their] life, [he/she/they] walked in quiet, steadfast faith, serving as an active member of [Name of Church / Temple / Congregation] for [number] years. [He/She/They] served the congregation as a [role: deacon, Sunday school teacher, choir member, greeter] and found deep purpose in [specific ministry or charitable outreach]. [His/Her/Their] life reflected [favorite Bible verse, hymn, or guiding spiritual quote].

[First name] is survived by [spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings]. [He/She/They] was welcomed into glory by [predeceased relatives].

A service of praise and thanksgiving will take place on [Date] at [Time] at [Name of Church], with Pastor [Pastor's Name] officiating. Interment will follow at [Cemetery Name]. "[Insert short scripture verse or line from a hymn]."

Faith-based worked example

David Wayne Jackson, 72, of Greenville, South Carolina, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on October 12, 2024.

David was born on January 14, 1952, to Wayne and Patricia Jackson. A faithful believer, David was an active member of Grace Community Church for 38 years, where he taught adult Sunday school, sang bass in the choir, and served on the mission committee. He worked for 35 years as an insurance adjuster, bringing honesty and care to families in crisis. David loved reading theology, tending his backyard orchard, and spending summer mornings on his porch with his Bible and a mug of black coffee.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Beverly; two daughters, Rebecca (Jon) Albright and Rachel (Tyler) Smith; six grandchildren; and his brother, Paul Jackson. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A service of celebration and thanksgiving will be held on Tuesday, October 22, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Community Church in Simpsonville. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7).

3. Celebration of life or secular obituary

When a person was not religious, or when the family is planning a less formal gathering focused on personal stories, food, and music, use language that reflects their earthly legacy and community relationships.

Celebration of life fill-in-the-blank template

[Full Name], [age], long-time resident of [City, State], died on [Date] after [brief circumstance].

Born in [Birthplace] on [Date], [First name] lived an active, curious life. [He/She/They] made a career as a [profession] at [workplace], where [he/she/they] was known for [work ethic or defining habit]. [First name] lived without pretense. [He/She/They] loved nothing more than [list 2 to 3 practical pleasures: hosting backyard barbecues, restoring vintage bicycles, hiking coastal trails, or listening to live bluegrass].

[First name]'s memory will be carried on by [surviving family members]. [He/She/They] was preceded in death by [predeceased family].

Rather than a traditional funeral service, a celebration of [First name]'s life will be held on [Date] from [Start time] to [End time] at [Venue or outdoor park name, Address]. Friends and family are invited to share stories, enjoy good food, and toast to a life well lived. Casual attire is encouraged.

Celebration of life worked example

Theresa Marie "Tess" Morales, 66, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, died on October 9, 2024, at her home with her daughters by her side.

Tess was born in Santa Fe on August 22, 1958, to Frank and Rosa Morales. She worked for nearly three decades as an art teacher at Oakridge High School, encouraging thousands of teenagers to find their voice through ceramics and printmaking. Tess lived with vibrant energy. She spent her weekends hunting for turquoise at flea markets, hiking the trails of the Sandia Mountains, and cultivating hot chiles in her garden. She was known for her infectious laugh, her bottomless pots of posole, and her refusal to let anyone leave her kitchen hungry.

Tess is survived by her daughters, Carmen (Alex) Delgado and Marisa Morales; her grandson, Mateo; two sisters, Elena and Sofia; and a community of artists, former students, and lifelong friends.

A celebration of Tess's life will be held on Saturday, November 9, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park in Albuquerque. Please come in colorful clothes ready to share a memory. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the county school district Fine Arts Fund.

Checklist before you publish

Before you click send or deliver the document to the funeral director or newspaper editor, read the text out loud slowly. Check this final list:

• Verify spellings of all proper names: Double-check children's spouses, in-laws, and grandchildren. Ask a sibling or relative to verify spellings you might be unsure about.
• Confirm all dates, days, and times: Ensure the day of the week matches the calendar date (for example, confirm that October 24 is actually a Thursday).
• Include full addresses for venues: Include the street address, city, and state for churches, funeral homes, and cemeteries so guests using GPS reach the correct location.
• Protect personal security: Never list the deceased person's home street address, Financial or Social Security details, or exact travel schedules for out-of-town family members. Some families also choose to omit the exact date of birth or mother's maiden name to reduce the risk of posthumous identity theft. Empty homes during funeral hours can be targets for theft.
• Clarify donation instructions: If designating a charity, give the exact legal name of the organization and a clean URL or physical address.
• Confirm publication deadlines and proof approval: Ask the newspaper for their cut-off hour and demand to review a typed proof showing the total cost before authorizing printing.

Common questions

How much does it cost to run an obituary in a newspaper?

Costs vary widely depending on the circulation of the newspaper. A small-town weekly paper may publish a basic death notice for free or a modest flat fee, while major metropolitan dailies often charge several hundred to over a thousand dollars for a full-length tribute with a photograph. Always ask the paper's classifieds or obituaries department for a price quote per word or column inch before submitting.

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

A death notice is a short, factual announcement placed in the classifieds section that simply states the person has died and lists the date, time, and location of the funeral service. It contains minimal biographical detail. An obituary is a longer narrative tribute that describes the person's life, career, personality, family heritage, and surviving relatives.

Does the family have to list the cause of death?

No. You are under no legal or social obligation to reveal how the person died. Many families choose to state phrases like "passed away peacefully," "died after an illness," or simply state that the person passed away on a specific date. If you wish to raise awareness or suggest memorials for a specific condition, you may mention it, but it remains entirely your family's choice.

In what order should surviving family members be listed?

Traditional etiquette begins with the surviving spouse or life partner, followed by children in order of birth (along with their spouses), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, parents, siblings, and extended family. Predeceased family members are placed in their own separate sentence immediately following the list of survivors.

How soon after death should an obituary be published?

If you want the public to attend the wake, funeral, or memorial service, the obituary should appear in print and online at least two to four days before the event. If services are private or will be held at a later date, you can submit the tribute whenever the family feels ready, usually within one to two weeks following the passing.