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

Writing an obituary is an important way to honor your loved one's life and inform the community of their passing. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring you create a meaningful tribute that captures their essence.

Before You Begin: Gathering Information

Before writing, collect the following information:

• Full legal name (including maiden name if applicable)
• Date and place of birth
• Date and place of passing
• Names of surviving family members
• Names of those who preceded them in death
• Education history
• Career highlights
• Military service (if applicable)
• Religious affiliations
• Hobbies and interests
• Memorable stories or achievements
• Funeral/memorial service details

The Essential Elements of an Obituary

1. Opening Statement

Start with the deceased's full name, age, place of residence, and date of passing. You may also include how they passed (peacefully, surrounded by family, after a brief illness, etc.).

Example:
"John Robert Smith, 78, of Portland, Oregon, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2024, surrounded by his loving family."

2. Biographical Information

Include key life details:

• Where they were born and grew up
• Education and degrees
• Career achievements
• Marriage and family

Example:
"Born on March 15, 1946, in Seattle, Washington, to Robert and Mary Smith, John graduated from Lincoln High School in 1964 and earned his engineering degree from Oregon State University in 1968."

3. Personal Touches

This is where you bring their personality to life:

• Hobbies and passions
• Character traits
• Favorite activities
• Memorable quotes or sayings
• Impact on others

Example:
"John was known for his infectious laugh and unwavering optimism. An avid fisherman and woodworker, he spent countless weekends at the lake with his grandchildren, teaching them the value of patience and the joy of nature."

4. Survivors

List surviving family members, typically in this order:

• Spouse
• Children (and spouses)
• Grandchildren
• Great-grandchildren
• Siblings
• Parents (if living)
• Other significant relationships

Example:
"John is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Margaret; his children, David (Sarah) Smith and Jennifer (Michael) Johnson; four grandchildren; and his sister, Susan Anderson."

5. Predeceased

Mention family members who died before them.

Example:
"He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, William Smith."

6. Service Information

Include details about memorial services:

• Date, time, and location
• Type of service (funeral, memorial, celebration of life)
• Visitation information
• Burial/interment details

7. Memorial Contributions

If the family prefers donations to a charity in lieu of flowers, include this information.

Example:
"In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Heart Association in John's memory."

Tips for Writing a Meaningful Obituary

1. Write from the heart - Let your love and memories guide you
2. Be specific - Details make the obituary personal and memorable
3. Include stories - Brief anecdotes bring personality to life
4. Consider your audience - Balance formality with warmth
5. Proofread carefully - Have someone else review for errors
6. Check publication requirements - Newspapers may have word limits or formatting rules

Different Obituary Lengths

Depending on where you're publishing, you may need different lengths:

• Death Notice (under 40 words): Basic announcement of passing
• Short Print (40-100 words): Newspaper-friendly with key details
• Full Print (100-500 words): Standard obituary with biography
• Detailed Tribute (500+ words): Comprehensive life story
• Online Unlimited: Extended narrative for digital memorials

Need Help?

Writing an obituary during grief is challenging. If you need assistance, ObituaryAI's obituary generator can help you create a beautiful, professional tribute in minutes.