How to Write a Meaningful Obituary

Updated September 26, 2025

Candles and praying hands memorial image

When someone we love passes away, the obituary becomes more than an announcement—it’s a brief story of their life and the legacy they leave. This guide walks you through what to include, how to keep it personal and faith‑filled, and gives you a simple template you can copy and customize.

In this guide:

What to include (checklist)
Step‑by‑step writing guide
Copy‑and‑paste obituary template
Short examples
Obituary do’s & don’ts
FAQ

What to include (checklist)

Full name (and nickname)
Age and hometown
Date of passing
Key relationships (spouse, children, parents, siblings)
Life highlights: faith, service, work, hobbies
Meaningful stories or values (“always had an open seat at the table”)
Funeral/celebration‑of‑life details
Where to send flowers or memorial donations
How the family wishes to be contacted

Tip: Pick 1–2 stories that reveal who they were—how they loved, served, laughed, or prayed. Specifics read more lovingly than a list of titles.

Step‑by‑step writing guide

Open with the essentials. Name, age, hometown, and date of passing.
Share their core. Faith, family, service, and what made them unique.
Include a couple of stories. Keep them short and concrete.
List close family. Survived by / preceded in death.
Service information. Time, place, livestream, viewing.
Close with hope. A scripture, favorite saying, or legacy statement.

Copy‑and‑paste obituary template

[Full Name] (“[Nickname]”), [age], of [City, State], returned home to [the Lord/Heaven/peace] on [Date].
[He/She] was born on [Birth Date] to [Parents] in [Birthplace].

[First Name] lived a life centered on [faith/family/service]. [He/She] was known for [one or two defining traits].
Favorite memories include [short story #1] and [short story #2].

[First Name] is survived by [spouse], [children], [grandchildren if desired], and [siblings].
[He/She] was preceded in death by [loved ones].

A [funeral/celebration of life] will be held on [Day, Date] at [Time] at [Location] in [City].
Friends may visit from [Timeframe]. Livestream information: [link if available].

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to [cause/charity] in [First Name]’s honor.
The family wishes to thank [caregivers/church/community] for their kindness and support.

Download Printable PDF Template

Download Branded PDF (Lead Magnet)

Short examples

Example: Faith‑centered

Mary Elaine Cooper, 78, of Mesa, Arizona, returned to her Heavenly Father on September 13, 2025. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Mary found joy in family dinners, Relief Society service, and playing hymns on the piano…

Example: Community‑focused

James “Jim” Walker, 64, of Joseph City, Arizona, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025. A rancher with a servant’s heart, Jim mentored youth through 4‑H and never let a neighbor fix a fence alone…

Obituary do’s & don’ts

Use names people recognize (nicknames are okay).
Keep sentences short and kind.
Verify spellings and dates with the family.
Ask a pastor/bishop or trusted friend to review.

Don’t

Overload with job titles.
Share private or sensitive details.
Forget service info or how to send condolences.

FAQ

How long should an obituary be? 150–350 words for newspapers; longer is fine on a memorial page.

Can we include scripture? Yes. Many families add a verse that reflects faith and hope.

What if we’re too overwhelmed to write? Start with the template above. Even a few lines from the heart are enough.

Keep learning:

Need help preserving a legacy? Explore Timeless Legacy services