How to write an obituary: a step-by-step guide with examples
With the passing of a loved one, you may find yourself pondering how to write a good obituary or how to deliver a meaningful eulogy. During this already difficult time, it can be especially overwhelming trying to find just the right words to pay tribute to your loved one. We hope this list of tips can guide you in the right direction so you’re able to share from your heart when writing an obituary.
What to include in an obituary
The purpose of writing an obituary is to announce your loved one’s passing with a brief summary of their life and to inform people about any planned funeral services. In a local newspaper, both in print and online, obituaries can be published for any local resident upon their death. While some prefer a somber and respectful announcement, others see obituaries as a way to celebrate and commemorate the life of the person who has passed away with a short story to help keep their memory alive. So, how do you write an obituary? Here are a few tips that will help you get started.
1. Check newspaper requirements before you start writing
Many news publications have specific guidelines on the style and length of the obituary, and it’s possible that they may only accept an obituary if it’s written by one of their editorial staff or submitted directly from a funeral home. Most funeral homes can provide obituary templates that you can use as a guideline, and they may even cover the cost of publishing the obituary as part of the funeral services.
2. Include details on their passing and biographical information
Announcing the death of your loved one is the very first step in writing the obituary. Include their name, age, the city where they resided, and the date when they passed away. From there, you can include extra details about parts of their life that were specific to them. The things that made them who they are. These details can be their place of birth, education, and employment background, as well as their passions, hobbies, and lifetime achievements.
3. Mention surviving family members
When writing an obituary, it’s common to mention the deceased’s surviving family members along with any close family members who have preceded them in death. List the names and residences of their spouse, children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, and any other important family members that should be included. You may consider adding the names of their pets to the list of surviving family members if they were very attached to their animals.
4. Include memorial service details
If there are memorial services planned, be sure to include this information in the last part of the obituary. Provide the date, time, and location where the services will be held, and be sure to indicate if the services are private. If you would like memorial contributions to be made toward your family or to a specific charity that the deceased supported rather than sending flowers, be sure to include these necessary details as well. Many families now include a memorial fundraiser in the obituary so supporters can contribute in memory of their loved one.
5. Proofread and submit
Once you have finished writing your obituary, ask a close friend or family member to read it over to check for any grammatical errors. The last step is to submit the obituary to the funeral home or directly to the news publication where you will be sharing the obituary.
Obituary examples and template
Writing an obituary can feel overwhelming, especially while you’re grieving. Maybe you’re preparing a formal announcement. Maybe it’s a more personal tribute. Either way, the goal is the same: honor your loved one’s life. Share the service details. Give friends and family a way to remember them. The examples below can be adapted to reflect your loved one’s personality, accomplishments, and legacy.
Formal obituary template for a parent
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of [Full Name], who passed away peacefully on [Date] at the age of [Age].
Born on [Birth Date] in [City, State], [First Name] valued family, hard work, and helping others. Throughout their career as a [Occupation], they became known for their honesty and kindness. As a loving [Relationship to Others], [First Name] especially cherished bringing family together for holidays and creating memories with the people they loved.
[First Name] is survived by [Names of spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings, or other loved ones] and was preceded in death by [Names, if applicable].
A visitation will be held on [Date] at [Location], followed by a funeral service at [Time]. Burial will take place at [Cemetery Name].
The family is grateful for the love and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, please consider [optional memorial donation or flower preference].
Warm personal tribute for a spouse
My heart is broken as I share the passing of my beloved spouse, [Full Name], on [Date] at the age of [Age].
To so many people, [First Name] was a loyal friend and caring neighbor who always knew how to make others smile. To me, [First Name] was my best friend and biggest supporter, making even ordinary days feel special. Whether we were traveling together or enjoying a quiet evening at home, every moment we shared was a gift.
With a big heart and a welcoming spirit, [First Name] had a way of making people feel at home. Some of their greatest joys included [hobbies] and appreciating life’s small moments. Always willing to help someone in need, [First Name] touched many lives through kindness, generosity, and laughter.
Surviving family members include [family members], along with many friends whose lives were forever changed by knowing [First Name].
A celebration of life will be held on [Date] at [Location], where all who knew and loved [First Name] are welcome to gather, share stories, and celebrate a life well lived.
Although I will miss [First Name] every day, I find comfort in the moments we shared and in the lasting impact [First Name] made on everyone fortunate enough to know them.
Community announcement template for a friend or colleague
We are saddened to share the passing of [Full Name] on [Date].
A valued friend, colleague, and member of our community, [First Name] touched the lives of many through kindness and generosity. Friends and neighbors will remember a caring spirit and a willingness to lend a helping hand whenever someone needed support.
Family and friends are invited to a [funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life] on [Date] at [Location] to honor and remember [First Name].
We send our deepest sympathy to [First Name]’s family and friends. Everyone who knew [First Name] is encouraged to keep their memory alive by sharing stories, supporting one another, and remembering the difference [First Name] made.
How to create and deliver a great eulogy
The purpose of a eulogy is to honor and pay tribute to a person who has passed away. Knowing how to give a eulogy for your loved one can seem daunting, if not impossible, at first. But, it can also be a way to honor and cherish your loved one. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a great writer to give an incredible eulogy, as the best eulogies are straight from the heart. Here are a few steps to take to get started.
1. Gather memories of your loved one
The majority of your speech will be based on stories of your loved one. Write down all your favorite moments with them, and ask their friends, family members, and co-workers if they have stories and favorite recollections they can share with you. It also helps to pull out pictures to reminisce and find inspiration in things that rekindle old memories and feelings about your loved one.
2. Choose a tone for the eulogy
Decide what the tone of your eulogy will be before you write it. Will it be a little lighthearted and humorous, more serious, or a bit of both? Don’t stress too much about the tone, though. Simply focus on finding the right words, and the tone will naturally take shape.
3. Create an outline of what you want to say
Write a brief outline of key events you’d like to share, such as when they were married, had children, or reached another similar milestone. Be sure to also write out the things that were important to your loved one, what their favorite hobbies were, and any basic facts about their everyday life that paint a picture of who they were.
4. Have a beginning, middle, and end
The best way to stay organized when writing your eulogy is to break it into three main sections by giving it a beginning, middle, and end. Start by writing a brief introduction about who your loved one was so the audience will have an understanding of your relationship to them. Then go back to your outline and expand on important details you have already written down, such as the basic info about their life and significant moments that occurred. Consider sharing some of your own personal stories and memories, too.
5. Practice giving your eulogy
Practicing your speech out loud several times will give you a good idea of how it will sound when you are delivering it to an audience at the memorial service. If you’re feeling nervous, you can ask a close friend or family member to listen to you give the eulogy so they can provide feedback.
6. Deliver your eulogy from the heart
When it’s time to deliver the eulogy, you may feel nervous and emotional, but just remember that you have the support of everyone in attendance and no one will be judging you or critiquing your speaking skills. Bring a copy of your speech with you that you can read from if you need to, and go over it a few times before you deliver it. This will help your speech stay fresh in your mind.
Consider more ways to help
If you or someone you know has recently lost a loved one, funeral costs can be overwhelming during an already difficult time. To get assistance with memorial and funeral expenses, you can create a fundraiser in minutes and start raising money today. GoFundMe provides fundraising and customer support for your questions. Learn more about how to use crowdfunding to raise funds for funerals and sign up today.
How to write an obituary FAQs
As of August 2026, a typical print obituary runs between 250 and 300 words. Some newspapers charge by the line and may require shorter submissions. Online obituaries have no length restriction, and we generally recommend 300 to 400 words to strike the right balance. Always check the publication’s guidelines before submitting.
Most families choose to leave out sensitive information. This includes cause of death if it is private, family estrangements, financial difficulties, and personal details the deceased would have wanted to stay private. When in doubt, focus on celebrating the person’s life rather than the circumstances of their passing.
You can include a GoFundMe link naturally. Consider adding a short sentence such as: “In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to [Name]’s memorial fund at [GoFundMe link].” If the fundraiser is covering funeral costs, you might say: “The family has started a GoFundMe to help cover memorial expenses. Any support is deeply appreciated.” Including the link in both the printed and online obituary gives supporters a direct way to contribute.