How to Write an Obituary: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

To write an obituary, begin with the person’s full name, age, and date of death. Then share a brief account of their life, including important achievements, family relationships, personal interests, and memorable qualities. Finish with funeral or memorial service details and any special requests. Keep the writing honest, respectful, and focused on what made the person special.

Key Takeaways

• Start with the person’s full name, age, and date of death.
• Include important life events, family relationships, and personal memories.
• Use simple, respectful language that reflects the person’s personality.
• Add funeral or memorial service details if they are available.
• Proofread the obituary carefully before submitting it for publication.

What Is an Obituary?

An obituary is a written announcement of someone’s death that also shares important details about their life. It is usually published in a newspaper, funeral home website, or online memorial.

An obituary serves two main purposes. First, it informs friends, relatives, and the community about a person’s passing. Second, it celebrates their life by sharing their achievements, relationships, personality, and memories.

Writing an obituary can feel difficult, especially when you have recently lost someone close to you. However, it does not need to be complicated or perfect. A simple, honest description of the person’s life can make a meaningful tribute.

What to Include in an Obituary

Before writing, gather the important information about the person. Most obituaries include the following details.

1. Basic Information

Start with the person’s full name, age, hometown, and date of death. You can also include their date and place of birth.

If the person was known by a nickname, you can include it. For example, Margaret Ann Johnson might have been known as Maggie to her friends and family.

2. Life Story and Achievements

Describe the important moments of the person’s life. You can mention their education, career, military service, community involvement, or personal accomplishments.

You do not need to include every detail. Focus on the experiences that best represent the person’s life.

3. Surviving Family Members

Include close family members who are still living, such as a spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings, or other relatives.

You may also mention family members who passed away before them. Check the spelling of every name and make sure the family agrees on what should be included.

4. Funeral or Memorial Service Details

Provide the date, time, and location of the funeral or memorial service, if these arrangements are confirmed.

You can also include visitation information, burial details, or instructions for attending a private service.

5. Donations or Special Requests

Some families prefer charitable donations instead of flowers. If this applies, include the name of the organization and any relevant donation instructions.

You can also add a brief thank-you message to caregivers or people who supported the family.

How to Write an Obituary Step by Step

Writing an obituary becomes easier when you divide the process into manageable steps. You do not need to write everything at once. Start with the facts and gradually add personal details.

1. Gather Important Information

Before writing, collect the details you want to include. Ask family members for information about the person’s life, accomplishments, and favorite memories.

Make a simple checklist containing:

• Full name and nickname
• Age and date of death
• Birthplace and hometown
• Education and career
• Important life achievements
• Family members
• Hobbies and interests
• Funeral or memorial service details

Verify important dates and names before using them. If some information is unknown, leave it out until you can confirm it.

2. Start With a Death Announcement

The opening paragraph should clearly announce the person’s death. Include their name, age, hometown, and date of passing.

Keep this section short and straightforward. Readers should immediately understand who has passed away.

For example:

John Michael Anderson, 78, of Dallas, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

You can mention the cause of death if the family wishes to share it. However, it is not necessary to disclose private medical information.

3. Write About the Person’s Life

The next step is to describe the person’s life and personality. This is often the most meaningful part of an obituary because it helps readers remember who the person really was.

Mention their education, career, hobbies, interests, and important achievements. You can also describe their kindness, humor, generosity, or dedication to their family.

Instead of writing only that someone was a loving father, include a specific detail that illustrates it.

For example:

He enjoyed spending weekends fishing with his children and never missed an opportunity to help a neighbor.

Small, genuine details can make an obituary feel personal and memorable.

4. Mention Family Members

Include the names of surviving family members, beginning with the closest relationships. This commonly includes a spouse or partner, children, grandchildren, and siblings.

You can also mention family members who died before the person.

For example:

She is survived by her husband, Robert; two daughters, Emily and Sarah; four grandchildren; and her brother, James.

If family relationships are complicated, use neutral, respectful wording. You do not have to explain private family matters in a public obituary.

5. Include Funeral or Memorial Service Details

After describing the person’s life and family, provide the service information.

Include the date, time, and location of the funeral or memorial service. If the arrangements have not been finalized, you can state that details will be announced later.

For example:

A memorial service will be held on September 20, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Green Valley Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

Always confirm the arrangements before publishing this information.

6. Add a Personal Closing

Finish the obituary with a short sentence that reflects the person’s memory or the family’s wishes.

You might express gratitude for the support received, mention a favorite saying, or share a charitable donation request.

For example:

Her warmth, laughter, and love for her family will always be remembered. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the local animal shelter.

A simple, heartfelt closing is often enough.

7. Review and Proofread

Before submitting the obituary, read it carefully. Check the spelling of names, dates, locations, and family relationships.

Ask another family member to review the details. If the obituary will appear in a newspaper, check its submission guidelines, word limits, deadlines, and fees.

Reading the obituary aloud can also help you find awkward sentences or information that needs clarification.

Obituary Example

Here is a fictional obituary example showing how the different sections can fit together.

In Loving Memory of John Michael Anderson

January 15, 1948 – September 12, 2026

John Michael Anderson, 78, of Dallas, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

John was born on January 15, 1948, in Dallas. He spent more than 30 years working as a teacher and inspired many students throughout his career. Outside the classroom, he enjoyed gardening, fishing, reading, and spending time with his family.

He was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. John is survived by his wife, Mary; his two children, Emily and David; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother.

A memorial service will be held on September 20, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Green Valley Funeral Home in Dallas. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate his life.

John will be remembered for his kindness, patience, and wonderful sense of humor. His love and guidance will remain in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Fictional example for writing guidance

This example follows a simple structure: death announcement, life story, surviving family members, service information, and a personal closing. You can use the same structure while adapting the details to the person you are honoring.

How Long Should an Obituary Be?

An obituary’s length depends on where it will be published and how much information the family wants to share.

A short newspaper obituary may contain only a few paragraphs. A longer obituary on a funeral home website can include more personal stories, achievements, and family memories.

As a general writing guide:

Type	Suggested length
Short obituary	100–200 words
Newspaper obituary	200–400 words
Online obituary	300–800 words
Detailed life tribute	800+ words

These are suggested ranges, not strict rules. Some newspapers charge by word count or printed space, so check their requirements before submitting your obituary.

If you need both a short and a long version, write the complete version first. You can then shorten it for a newspaper while keeping the important details.

Common Obituary Writing Mistakes to Avoid

When writing an obituary, a few simple precautions can help you create a respectful and accurate tribute.

• Including too many details: Focus on the most meaningful events and memories instead of listing every achievement.
• Using generic language: Add specific examples that show the person’s personality rather than relying entirely on phrases such as loving and caring.
• Sharing private information: Avoid revealing sensitive family matters or medical details without permission.
• Forgetting important people: Review the list of surviving relatives carefully to prevent accidental omissions.
• Publishing incorrect details: Verify names, dates, service locations, and donation instructions before submission.
• Making the obituary too formal: Use natural language that reflects the person’s character and the family’s wishes.

Remember that an obituary does not need to tell someone’s entire life story. A few honest details can communicate what made that person special.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do you write a simple obituary?

To write a simple obituary, include the person’s full name, age, date of death, and a brief description of their life. Mention close family members and funeral details if available. Finish with a short sentence honoring their memory. Use clear, respectful language and focus on the most important information.

2. What should you not include in an obituary?

Avoid unverified information, private family disputes, sensitive medical details, and personal information that the family does not want to share. You should also avoid exaggerating achievements or including details that do not contribute to the person’s story. Keep the obituary respectful and accurate.

3. Can I write an obituary without a funeral service?

Yes. An obituary can be written even if there is no funeral or memorial service. You can simply announce the person’s passing, describe their life, and honor their memory. If the family plans a private gathering or a future memorial, you can mention it when the details are confirmed.

4. Is an obituary the same as a death notice?

No. A death notice is usually a short announcement that provides basic information about someone’s death and sometimes funeral arrangements. An obituary typically includes more details about the person’s life, family, achievements, and personality. Both can be published in newspapers or online.

Final Thoughts

Writing an obituary is a meaningful way to honor someone who has passed away. Although finding the right words can be difficult, you do not need to create a perfect story. Focus on sharing accurate information, important memories, and the qualities that made the person special.

Start with the basic facts, describe their life, mention their loved ones, and include service details when available. Take your time, ask family members for help, and review the final draft before publishing it.

A thoughtful obituary does more than announce a death. It preserves memories and gives family and friends a way to remember and celebrate a life.