Fill-in-the-blank obituary templates
Prefer to write it yourself? Copy any of these and replace the words in brackets.
Traditional obituary
The classic newspaper format, about 200 to 300 words.
[Full name] "[Nickname]", [age], of [city, state], passed away on [date of death], [where, e.g. at home surrounded by family]. [First name] was born in [birthplace] in [birth year] to [parents' names]. [First name] shared a life with [spouse's name], worked as [career or life's work], was a faithful member of [church or faith community] and loved [what they loved and what people will remember]. [First name] was preceded in death by [names of family who died before them], and is survived by [names of surviving family]. Services will be held [service type, date, time and place]. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to [charity or cause].
Short obituary
Three or four sentences, for a death notice or a social media post.
[Full name] "[Nickname]", [age], of [city, state], passed away on [date of death]. [First name] is survived by [names of surviving family]. Services will be held [service type, date, time and place].
Faith-based obituary
For a family that wants their faith at the center.
[Full name] "[Nickname]", [age], went home to be with the Lord on [date of death]. Faith was the center of [First name]'s life, lived out with love at [church or faith community]. [First name] was born in [birthplace] in [birth year], shared a life with [spouse's name] and worked as [career or life's work]. We will remember [First name] for [what they loved and what people will remember]. [First name] is survived by [names of surviving family]. A service of celebration will be held [service type, date, time and place].
Veteran obituary
Honors their military service. Include branch, years and rank if the family knows them.
[Full name] "[Nickname]", [age], of [city, state], passed away on [date of death]. [First name] proudly served in [branch of service and years]. [First name] was born in [birthplace] in [birth year], later worked as [career or life's work] and shared a life with [spouse's name]. We will remember [First name] for [what they loved and what people will remember]. [First name] is survived by [names of surviving family]. Services with military honors will be held [service type, date, time and place].
Celebration of life obituary
Warm and personal, for a gathering that celebrates who they were.
With love, we remember [Full name] "[Nickname]", [age], who left us on [date of death]. If you knew [First name], you know how much [First name] loved [what they loved and what people will remember]. [First name] was born in [birthplace] in [birth year], worked as [career or life's work] and shared a life with [spouse's name]. [First name] will be missed by [names of surviving family]. Please join us to celebrate [First name]'s life [service type, date, time and place]. Bring a story to share.
Obituary for a young person
Gentle wording for a child, teen or young adult. Keep the cause private if the family prefers.
[Full name] "[Nickname]", [age], left us far too soon on [date of death]. [First name] filled our days with light and loved [what they loved and what people will remember]. [First name] was the beloved child of [parents' names]. [First name] will be missed forever by [names of surviving family]. Services will be held [service type, date, time and place].
What to include
- Their full name and the name people called them
- Age, the city where they lived, and the date of death
- Where they were born, and the year
- The people and work that shaped their life: marriage, children, career, faith, service
- What they loved and what people will remember
- The family they leave behind, and those who died before them
- Service details, and any "in lieu of flowers" wishes
What to leave out
Skip the full birth date, the mother's maiden name and the home address. AARP and the FBI warn that thieves use those details to open accounts in the name of someone who has died, and a home address next to the service time tells strangers when the house will be empty. To be safest, they also suggest leaving out the middle name and the birthplace, so those fields are optional here. Giving the age is enough. See how to write an obituary for the full checklist.