How to Write an Obituary: A Step-by-Step Guide with Examples

Writing an obituary for someone you love is one of the hardest tasks you'll face during grief. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, helping you create a meaningful tribute that honors their life.

## What Is an Obituary?

An obituary is a written notice of someone's death, typically published in newspapers or online. It serves three purposes: announcing the death, sharing biographical information, and providing funeral details.

## Obituary vs. Eulogy

These are often confused but serve different purposes:

- Obituary: Written announcement, published for public notice - Eulogy: Spoken tribute, delivered at the funeral service

An obituary is typically shorter and more factual, while a eulogy is more personal and emotional.

## Essential Information to Include

Every obituary should contain these basic elements:

- Full name (including maiden name if applicable) - Age at time of death - Date of death - Place of death (city, not specific location) - Surviving family members - Funeral or memorial service details - Where to send donations or flowers

## Step 1: Gather the Facts

Before writing, collect:

- Full legal name and any nicknames - Date and place of birth - Date and place of death - Parents' names (including mother's maiden name) - Spouse's name and marriage date - Children's and grandchildren's names - Education history - Career highlights - Military service - Religious affiliations - Club memberships and hobbies - Major achievements

## Step 2: Start with the Announcement

The opening paragraph states the essential facts:

> John Michael Smith, 78, of Portland, Oregon, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Or a softer approach:

> Mary Elizabeth Johnson, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, entered eternal rest on January 15, 2026, at the age of 82.

## Step 3: Write the Life Story

This is the heart of the obituary. Include:

### Early Life Where they were born, parents' names, siblings, childhood highlights.

### Education Schools attended, degrees earned, academic achievements.

### Career Professions, employers, career accomplishments, years of service.

### Family Life Marriage, children, what family meant to them.

### Passions and Hobbies What brought them joy outside of work and family.

### Character What made them special? How will they be remembered?

## Step 4: List Survivors

The traditional format lists family members:

> He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Margaret; children David (Susan), Jennifer (Michael), and Thomas; grandchildren Emily, Jacob, Sarah, and William; and sister Carol Anderson.

> He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Dorothy Smith, and brother Robert.

## Step 5: Include Service Information

Provide clear details:

> A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2026, at First Methodist Church, 123 Main Street, Portland. Visitation will be Friday, January 19, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home.

> In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

## Obituary Examples

### Traditional Obituary

> Robert James Wilson, 85, of Denver, Colorado, passed away on January 10, 2026. Born on March 15, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, to James and Helen Wilson, Robert grew up with a love of music and baseball. > > After graduating from Northwestern University in 1962, Robert served in the United States Army before beginning his 35-year career as an engineer at Boeing. He was known for his dedication, integrity, and the mentorship he provided to countless young professionals. > > Robert married his college sweetheart, Patricia, in 1964. Together they raised three children while building a life filled with backyard barbecues, camping trips, and Sunday dinners. He never missed a little league game or school concert. > > An avid golfer, Robert spent his retirement years on the course with friends and traveling with Patricia to visit grandchildren across the country. > > He is survived by his wife Patricia; children Michael (Linda), Susan (David), and Jennifer; six grandchildren; and brother Thomas. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Mary. > > Services will be held January 15 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

### Modern Celebration of Life Obituary

> Sarah Chen didn't just live life—she sparkled through it. The beloved artist, teacher, and friend passed away on January 12, 2026, at age 67, after a courageous battle with cancer. > > Born in San Francisco to immigrant parents who taught her that hard work and kindness could change the world, Sarah proved them right every day. She earned her art degree from UC Berkeley, where she also met her husband, Tom, over a shared love of terrible coffee and great conversation. > > For 30 years, Sarah taught high school art, transforming nervous teenagers into confident creators. Her classroom was a haven of paint-splattered tables, encouraging words, and the firm belief that everyone is an artist. > > Sarah's own art—vibrant watercolors of California landscapes—hangs in homes across the country. But her greatest masterpiece was her family: husband Tom, daughters Amy and Lisa, and four grandchildren who called her "Nana Rainbow." > > Please join us to celebrate Sarah's colorful life on January 20 at 3:00 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California. Wear something bright—she would have wanted it that way.

## Length and Cost Considerations

Newspaper obituaries are charged by the word or line:

- Short (50-100 words): Basic announcement, $50-150 - Standard (150-300 words): Life summary, $150-400 - Extended (300+ words): Detailed biography, $400+

Online obituaries on memorial sites are often free or low-cost with no length limits.

## Tips for Writing

### Do: - Write in third person - Include specific, meaningful details - Use their preferred name - Have someone proofread - Keep a copy for family records

### Don't: - Include cause of death unless family wishes - List every survivor if the list is very long - Use clichés without personal meaning - Rush the process if you have time

## Common Phrases for Obituaries

If you're struggling with wording:

- "Passed away peacefully" - "Surrounded by loving family" - "After a courageous battle" - "Entered eternal rest" - "Was called home" - "Left this world"

## Where to Publish

- Local newspapers - National newspapers (for notable individuals) - Online memorial sites - Funeral home websites - Social media (as a supplement, not replacement)

## Final Thoughts

An obituary is more than a death notice—it's a final gift to someone you love. Take your time, gather input from family, and don't be afraid to let their personality shine through.

The best obituaries aren't just lists of facts. They capture something essential about who this person was and why they mattered. If readers finish and feel like they knew your loved one a little better, you've done your job well.