How to Create an Obituary
Creating an obituary program is important because it provides a meaningful and respectful tribute to the deceased. It also helps family and friends to share important information about the deceased’s life and legacy. Lastly, it serves as a keepsake for those who attend the funeral or memorial service.
If you’re preparing to write, this guide explains how to create an obituary in simple steps—so you can gather the right details, write clearly, and prepare it for publication or sharing.
Helpful context: you can also review writing an obituary and (if you’re including service details) how to write a funeral program obituary.
How to Create an Obituary (Step-by-Step)
Obituaries often follow familiar patterns. The goal is clarity: include the essential life details, keep the tone respectful, and match any submission guidelines.
1) Familiarize yourself with local obituaries
Review a few recent local newspaper obituaries. Notice the style and tone so your draft fits what readers expect.
2) Contact the right place for guidelines
If a funeral home is handling arrangements, the director may write the obituary for you. If you’re writing for an out-of-state newspaper, a memorial website, or a funeral program, confirm what they need ahead of time.
- Ask about any fees, deadlines, and submission method (email/online/in-person)
- If you plan to include a photo, ask about photo specifications
3) Gather accurate information
Collect details from family, friends, and colleagues. Verify spelling of names and locations where the person lived. Common elements include professional and personal accomplishments.
4) Decide what information to include
Most obituaries include the full name, age, date and place of death, and place of residence. Many also include information about a spouse, children, and memorial services. You may also include your hometown or other surviving relatives, hobbies, and accomplishments.
If you want structure, you can use an obituary funeral template.
5) Write a simple, respectful draft
Follow the publication’s guidelines and keep the obituary clear and easy to read. Avoid overly complicated formatting (for example, fancy fonts or colored ink) so key details stand out.
6) Proofread before you submit
Ask another family member or friend to proofread for errors. Double-check spelling of names and professional affiliations, and read the obituary aloud to confirm it flows smoothly.
7) Choose a photograph (optional)
If including a photo, choose one that reflects the person’s personality—not just what’s flattering. Confirm the recommended photo size with the newspaper or funeral home director.
8) Submit on time
Submit the obituary (and photo, if used) according to the publication’s process and timing. Including funeral or memorial details helps readers know where and when to attend.
Quick tips that can help
- Ask for help if you feel overwhelmed—dates, spellings, and details can be shared across family members.
- Keep a copy of the obituary in a scrapbook along with other photos and life details.
- Consider including a poem or verse. For example: Remember to speak kindly of the deceased.
Printable obituary programs and templates
A printable obituary program can be a thoughtful way to provide guests with a tangible keepsake. When you’re building one, consider adding information people typically look for, such as:
- Organized sections (for example: “In Loving Memory,” “Order of Service,” “Obituary,” and service details)
- A simple timeline of important milestones, achievements, or events
- Photos, poems, or other personal touches (as appropriate)
- Clear dates, times, and locations for the service
Tip: Choose a layout and paper type that will hold up well (for example, cardstock or linen paper), and proofread carefully so the program is accurate.
Self Printable Obituary Templates
Create an Obituary Program
Watch this video to see how you can design an obituary program for a passed person. You can change details like background image, photo, custom text, poems, and the order of service.
If you’re also looking for structure for the writing itself, you may find obituary templates helpful as you draft.
Obituary example (customize as needed)
Here’s an example you can adapt to your situation:
[Full Name] passed away on [Date] at [Location]. [He/She] was [Age] years old.
[Full Name] was born on [Date] in [Birthplace] to [Parents’ Names]. [He/She] attended [Schools attended] and later earned [Degree/Certification] from [College/University]. [He/She] worked as a [Profession] for [Number of years].
[Full Name] is survived by [Spouse’s Name], [Number of Children] children: [Names of Children], [Number of Grandchildren] grandchildren: [Names of Grandchildren], and [Number of Siblings] siblings: [Names of Siblings]. [He/She] was preceded in death by [Parents’ Names], [Siblings’ Names], and [Other family members].
[Full Name]’s hobbies included [Hobbies/Interests]. [He/She] was known for [Personality traits].
The funeral service will be held on [Date] at [Location]. Visitation will be held from [Time] to [Time] on [Date] at [Location]. [Full Name] will be buried at [Cemetery Name] following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to [Charity Name and Address].
[Full Name] will be deeply missed by family and friends.
Note: Please customize the above obituary example as per your requirements and preferences.
If you’d like another reference point, see an example of an obituary.
Frequently Asked Questions on creating an obituary
While creating an obituary, questions often come up. Here are practical answers to the most common ones.
What is an obituary?
An obituary is a written announcement that informs the public of someone’s passing, provides biographical details, and commemorates their life.
Tip: Before writing, gather as much information as you can about the person’s life (birthplace, education, career, family, and hobbies).
Who typically writes an obituary?
Family members, close friends, or a funeral home director usually write obituaries.
Tip: Consider having multiple people collaborate so the obituary is accurate and complete.
What information should be included in an obituary?
An obituary should include the person’s name, age, date of birth, date of death, and location of death, plus life details such as career, hobbies, and achievements.
Tip: Aim to reflect the person’s personality and spirit (for example, through quotes or anecdotes).
How long should an obituary be?
Obituaries can vary in length, but they are typically around 200–300 words.
Tip: Focus on the most important and impactful aspects of their life.
Should an obituary include the cause of death?
It’s up to the family’s discretion whether or not to include the cause of death.
Tip: If you do include it, be sensitive to how it may affect readers.
How can I personalize an obituary?
You can make an obituary unique by including stories, quotes, or details that highlight individuality.
Tip: Consider photos, a favorite quote or song, or details about passions and interests. You can also start with obituary templates.
Should I include funeral or memorial service information?
Yes—service details help readers who want to attend.
Tip: Include the date, time, and location of the service, plus any special requests or instructions from the family.
How do I get the obituary published?
Contact the newspaper directly and ask about their submission process. Many newspapers have guidelines and deadlines.
Tip: Timelines can vary, but it’s often helpful to draft ahead so you can submit promptly once you have final details.