Obituary Template (11 x 17)
Using an Obituary Template (11 x 17) can make it easier to gather the right information quickly. While newspapers may vary, the overall obituary structure is typically consistent—so you can collect details first, then adapt the sample wording below for your loved one.
If you’re looking for more guidance across templates, you can also explore QuickFuneral.com: QuickFuneral.com.
Quick checklist: what to include
- Full name of the deceased (and nickname, if relevant), age, town of residence, and date of death.
- Birth details (hometown and date of birth), parents’ names, education, and marriage details.
- An optional accomplishments/hobbies/awards paragraph (only if there’s space).
- Surviving family members.
- Viewing and funeral details (name of funeral home and/or church, plus any additional arrangement information).
Basic obituary outline (copy and fill)
- Identity & passing: Full name of the deceased and nickname, if relevant, age, town of residence, passed away date of death.
- Early life & education: He/She was born in name of the hometown on date of birth to parents names of both parents. He/She graduated from name of high school and received a degree in name of college degree from name of college.
- Marriage: He/She married name of spouse on date of wedding.
- Optional accomplishments (space permitting): Include any accomplishments, hobbies, and awards in this paragraph. (This paragraph is optional and may be omitted if space is limited.)
- Survivors: Name of deceased is survived by names of family members.
- Arrangements: A viewing will be held at name of funeral home. The funeral will be held at name of the funeral home or church. Include any additional information about arrangements in this paragraph.
If you’d like, use the section below to work from this structure as you draft and refine your obituary text.
Sample obituary
AnnMarie (Annie) Watson, 67, of St. Louis passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2013.
She was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on May 20, 1946, to the late Patricia and Robert Fuller. Annie graduated from Mount Union High School and received a bachelor’s degree in education from Missouri State University in 1967. She married the late John Watson the following year, on July 16, 1968.
Annie was a beloved member of the community and could frequently be found leading programs for children at the local library. An advocate for children’s literacy, she helped found the St. Louis Early Literacy Foundation in 1997.
Annie is survived by three children; Jennifer Collins, of St. Louis; Kate Watson, of St. Charles, MO; and Daniel Watson, of Portland, OR. She is also survived by four grandchildren.
Frequently asked questions
What are the core details I should start with?
Start with the deceased’s full name (and nickname, if relevant), age, town of residence, and date of death. This sets the context right away.
Is it necessary to include the accomplishments/awards paragraph?
No. The accomplishments/hobbies/awards paragraph is explicitly optional and may be skipped if the newspaper has limited space.
Where should I list surviving family members?
Include a section stating that the person “is survived by” the names of family members.
How do I add viewing and funeral information?
Add a sentence noting where the viewing will be held, then where the funeral will be held (funeral home and/or church). You can also include any additional arrangement details in the same paragraph.
If you’re adjusting this for a specific newspaper’s preferences, keep the structure, but replace the placeholder wording with your loved one’s exact details and arrangements.