How to write an obituary step-by-step — with templates, examples, and a checklist. A clear, compassionate guide to honoring a loved one's life in writing.
Writing an obituary is one of the most meaningful ways to honor a loved one's life. It also has practical purposes: announcing the death, sharing service details, inviting attendance, and creating a lasting record. This guide walks through how to write an obituary step-by-step, with templates, examples, and tips.
A complete obituary typically contains:
Before writing, collect names, dates, places, and key life milestones. Get input from family members.
Open with the full name, age, date of death, and location. Example: "Margaret \"Maggie\" Ann Thompson, 74, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, surrounded by her family."
In 2–3 short paragraphs, cover birth, education, career, marriage(s), and defining life events. Keep it chronological.
This is the heart of the obituary. Describe hobbies, values, and how they'll be remembered. Specific details ("her legendary peach cobbler," "coached Little League for 27 years") beat generic praise every time.
Name the spouse, children (and their spouses), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and predeceased family. Example: "Survived by her husband of 50 years, John Thompson; daughters Sarah (Michael) Johnson and Emily (David) Carter; and five grandchildren. Preceded in death by her parents and brother Robert."
Include date, time, and location of the viewing, funeral, and burial or memorial. Note any donation preferences in lieu of flowers.
[Full Name], [age], of [city, state], [passed away / died] on [date] at [location]. Born [birth date] to [parents' names] in [birthplace], [he/she/they] [brief life summary].
[Second paragraph on career, education, and notable achievements.]
[Third paragraph on personality, hobbies, and values — the heart of the obituary.]
[Name] is survived by [list]. [He/she/they] was preceded in death by [list].
A [funeral / memorial service / celebration of life] will be held on [date] at [time] at [location]. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to [organization].
Most families write the obituary within 24–48 hours of death so it can run in the newspaper before the service. Writing it is also one of the tasks covered in our funeral planning checklist.
No. Cause of death is entirely optional.
Newspaper obituaries typically cost $100–$1,000+ depending on length and circulation. Online-only obituaries are usually free.
Usually a family member or the funeral home on behalf of the family.
Yes, most funeral homes offer this as a service, often included in the basic package.
At Titan Concierge, we help families coordinate obituary writing, publishing, and all the other logistics that come with a loss. See our funeral concierge guide.