How to write an obituary
An obituary doesn't have to be perfect writing. It just has to sound like them. Here's a simple way to approach it, one step at a time — and two short examples to show the shape.
Step by step
Step 1
Gather the facts
Full name and nickname, birth date and place, passing date, and service details. Ask a relative to double-check dates and spellings.
Step 2
Open with the announcement
One or two sentences: their name, age, hometown, and that they passed — in whatever words feel right to your family ("went home to be with the Lord," "passed peacefully," "left us").
Step 3
Tell their story
Where they grew up, schooling, work, military service, faith, marriage. Then the things that made them them — the garden, the jokes, the Sunday dinners.
Step 4
Name the family
Those who preceded them in death, and those who survive them: spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings, and anyone who was family by love.
Step 5
Share service details
Date, time and place of the service, interment and repast, and any wishes about flowers or donations.
Step 6
Read it aloud, then rest
Read it slowly, out loud, to someone who loved them. Then step away for an hour and read it once more before it's printed.
What to include
- Full name, nickname, age, and hometown
- Birth date and place; passing date
- Education, work, military service
- Faith and church home, if important to them
- Passions, hobbies, and the little things people will recognize
- Family who preceded them, and family who survive them
- Service, interment and repast details
- Flowers or donation wishes
Two short examples
Both examples are about fictional people, written only to show structure and tone.
Example 1 · fictional
Loretta Mae Simmons, 84, of Houston, went home to be with the Lord on a quiet Sunday morning, surrounded by her family. Born in Beaumont, Texas, Loretta was the third of seven children and learned early how to feed a crowd and make everyone feel welcome. She taught second grade for thirty years, and former students still stopped her in the grocery store to say hello. A faithful member of her church choir, she was known for her sweet potato pies and her habit of humming hymns while she cooked.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter, and her brother, James. She leaves to cherish her memory three children, seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and church family. Service details are included in this program.
Example 2 · fictional
Daniel "Danny" Ortiz, 52, passed away unexpectedly at home. Danny grew up in Pasadena, Texas, and spent twenty-five years as a mechanic, the kind who would stay late to get a single mother back on the road. He coached Little League every spring, never missed an Astros home opener, and could be counted on for terrible puns at every family gathering.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Maria; their children, Sofia and Mateo; his mother, Elena; and his sisters, Rosa and Carmen. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you hug the people you love a little longer.
Two ways we can help
Write it yourself, with gentle guidance. Our Life Story Studio turns your memories into a first draft. You can preview the opening for free, and unlocking the full draft and unlimited rewrites for 24 hours is $39.
Have one of our writers craft it with you. Our professional writer service is $295, usually ready the same day or within 24 hours. See obituary writing.
We'll design it for you.
Share what you have — photos, names, dates, whatever's written so far — and we'll build the program around it.
Free funeral program template
Short on time? Let us design it for you