Writing an obituary is one of those tasks no one feels ready for. It’s emotional, time‑sensitive, and deeply personal. But it can also be a small moment of reflection — a way to share someone’s story, honor their life, and help others understand who they were.
This guide walks you through what to include, how to structure it, and offers several fill‑in‑the‑blank templates you can use right away. As someone who designs Canva‑editable funeral programs — like the Cowboy Legacy Funeral Program and Simple Floral Memorial Funeral Program — my goal is to help you pair your words with a keepsake that feels comforting and true to your loved one.
Whether you’re writing for a newspaper, a memorial program, or an online tribute, we’ll take this step together.
Start with the Basics: Name, Dates, and Passing Details
Most obituaries begin with a simple announcement. Include your loved one’s full name (and any nicknames), their birth and death dates, and where they passed. This gives readers a clear starting point.
For example:
“Jacob ‘Jake’ Anderson, born June 14, 1989, passed away on April 2, 2024, in Riverside, CA.”
If it feels appropriate, you can mention whether the passing was sudden or followed an illness. These details help set the scene for the rest of the obituary.
Share Their Life Story: Family, Career, and Passions
Next, help readers understand who your loved one was by sharing the moments that shaped their life. This might include:
• Family relationships
• Career or life’s work
• Military service
• Hobbies and interests
• Community involvement
For example:
“Jake was a devoted husband to Sarah, a loving father to Emily and Luke, and a proud rancher who spent his days riding the range.”
This section helps people see the person behind the dates.
Highlight Their Personality and What Made Them Unique
This is where the obituary becomes personal. Think about the qualities that defined them — kindness, humor, determination, creativity — and include a memory or detail that captures their spirit.
For example:
“Jake’s warm smile and endless stories of the Wild West brought joy to everyone he met.”
Even one or two sentences like this can make the obituary feel real and heartfelt.
Include Service Details and Invitations
Let readers know how they can join in honoring your loved one. Include:
• Date and time of the service
• Location
• Officiant
• Burial or reception details
• Donation requests
If you’re using a NotedAndCharmed template like the Welder Iron Worker Funeral Program, you can also share a digital version for virtual guests.
Example:
“A celebration of Jake’s life will be held on July 23, 2024, at Riverside National Cemetery… In lieu of flowers, donations to the Veterans of Foreign Wars are appreciated.”
Add a Personal Touch with a Quote or Poem
A short quote, poem, or saying can bring comfort and reflect your loved one’s personality. Choose something that feels true to them — a favorite line, a scripture, or a simple phrase they lived by.
For example:
“In Jake’s memory, we share his favorite saying, ‘Ride hard, love deep,’ a testament to his cowboy spirit.”
This small detail often becomes the part people remember most.
Fill‑In‑the‑Blank Obituary Templates
Below are three different obituary forms — traditional, short, and storytelling — so you can choose the style that fits your family best.
1. Traditional Obituary Template
(This is the one I include in all my funeral program templates.)
[Full name (including any nicknames)], [age of the deceased], of [city and state where they passed away], passed away on [date of death], [cause of death (optional)].The funeral service will be held at [time and date of funeral] at [place of funeral]. [Name of minister] of [name of church] will be officiating. Visitation will be held at [time and date of wake] at [name of church or funeral home]. Burial will follow the funeral at [name of cemetery] at [time of burial]. Funeral arrangements are being handled by [name of funeral home].[First name] was born in [place of birth] on [date of birth]. [He or she] graduated from [name of high school] and continued on to receive a [type of degree] from [name of school].[First name] was married to [spouse’s name] on [wedding date]; they were married [number of years].[First name] worked as a [type of job] for [name of company] for [number of years worked]. [He or she] enjoyed [hobbies and interests]. [He or she] was also actively involved in [any charities or organizations].[First name] is survived by [spouse, grandchildren, parents, brothers and sisters, children, nieces and nephews], and other family and friends.[First name] is preceded in death by [names of family that passed away before].In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to [name and location to send donations]. The family of [full name] wishes to thank [names of any significant organizations].
2. Short Obituary Template
(Perfect for families who want something simple and quick.)
[Full name], [age], of [city/state], passed away on [date].
Born on [date of birth] in [place of birth], [First name] is survived by [list of family].
A celebration of life will be held on [date] at [location].
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [organization].
3. Storytelling Obituary Template
(A warm, modern option.)
[First name] [Last name], who was known for [personality trait or passion], passed away on [date] at the age of [age].
Born on [date of birth] in [place of birth], [First name] spent [his/her] life [describe meaningful work, passions, or roles].
[He/She] will be remembered for [unique qualities, habits, or memories].
[First name] is survived by [family members].
A celebration of [his/her] life will be held on [date] at [location].
Memorial contributions may be made to [organization].
A Gentle Closing Thought
Writing an obituary is a tender way to honor someone’s life, and pairing it with a personalized funeral program can create a keepsake your family will treasure. At NotedAndCharmed, our Canva‑editable templates — like the Barber Funeral Program and Rose and Dragonfly Funeral Program — make it easy to create something that feels personal and true to your loved one.
If you need help with your obituary or program, just reach out — I’m here to support you.