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Obituary Template and Examples: Fill-in-the-Blank Templates and Sample Obituaries

Funerals · 16 min read · First published 2026 · Updated November 2026

A stack of folded newspapers
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

When you have to write an obituary, a blank page can feel like one more thing you can't face. A good obituary template gives you somewhere to start. Below are five fill-in-the-blank templates and nine sample obituaries, so you can see what a finished one looks like and borrow whatever fits.

Key points

  • Pick the template that sounds most like your person: a simple short notice, a traditional obituary, a celebration of life, a faith-centered one, or one for someone with little family.
  • Fill in the brackets, delete what doesn't apply, and add one or two details only your family would know.
  • A fuller obituary is often a few hundred words. A short death notice can be 50 words or fewer.
  • Leave out the full birth date, home address and mother's maiden name, and ask someone to watch the house during the service.
  • These templates are free to copy and change.

Writing the eulogy too? The obituary and the eulogy draw on the same memories. The eulogy workbook is coming soon, for writing the eulogy on paper. A printable version of these obituary templates is planned too.

For a step-by-step walk-through, see How to Write an Obituary. This page is the shortcut: templates and examples you can work from right now.

Checklist: details to gather first

Have these in front of you before you start. You won't need every item.

  • Full name, and the name most people called them
  • Age, and the city or town where they lived
  • Date of death, and where (at home, in a hospital or hospice, or simply "peacefully")
  • Where they were born or grew up (no full birth date)
  • Work, school, military service, volunteering and faith life
  • Two or three things they loved, and one specific habit, phrase or story
  • Survivors, including stepfamily, chosen family and close friends if you wish, and those who died before them
  • A beloved pet, if you'd like to name one
  • Service details: type, date, time, place, public or private, and any livestream
  • Where to send donations, and anyone you'd like to thank
  • A clear photo, and the newspaper's deadline, word limit and price

What to leave out to stay safe

Obituaries are public and often stay online for years, and some thieves read them. AARP advises leaving out details that could be used for identity theft, such as the date and place of birth, middle name, maiden name and mother's maiden name. It also says not to include the home address, since burglars may target a house that's empty during the service.

A few simple swaps keep the obituary warm without giving too much away:

  • Instead of a full birth date, give the age, or just the year.
  • Instead of a street address, give the city or town.
  • Instead of a mother's maiden name, use first names only ("son of the late Rose and Walter"), or leave parents out.
  • During the service, ask a neighbor or friend to stay at the house.

For other ways to protect a loved one's identity after death, see What to Do When Someone Dies.

Five fill-in-the-blank obituary templates

Fill in or delete the words in [brackets], and use the pronouns your person used. Do the facts first, then add the one detail that makes people say, "Oh, that's just like them." Ask someone else to check every name and date.

1. Simple obituary template (short notice)

Best for a newspaper notice where space is costly, or when the family wants to keep it brief.

[Full name], [age], of [city], died [peacefully / unexpectedly / leave out] on [month and day]. [First name] is survived by [closest family]. A [funeral / memorial / graveside] service will be held at [time] on [day and date] at [place]. [In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to (charity).]

2. Traditional full obituary template

Best for a full life story, in the paper or online.

[Full name], [age], of [city], [died / passed away] on [month and day] at [place / home], [surrounded by family / after a long illness / leave out].

[First name] was born in [town] and grew up in [town], the [oldest / youngest / only] child of [parents' first names]. [He/She/They] [graduated from (school) / served in (branch)] and worked as [job] at [employer] for [number] years. [He/She/They] married [spouse] in [year], and together they [raised (number) children / detail].

[First name] loved [two or three things]. [One specific story, habit or saying.]

[First name] is survived by [spouse or partner]; [children (and their partners)]; [grandchildren]; [siblings]; and [many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends]. [First name] was preceded in death by [names].

A [funeral / memorial service] will be held at [time] on [day and date] at [place], with [burial / a reception] to follow. [Livestream details.] In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to [charity]. [The family thanks (names or team) for their care.]

3. Celebration of life obituary template

Best for a relaxed, joyful send-off, or for someone who asked people "not to be sad."

[Full name], [age], of [city], [left us / died] on [month and day], [and would want you to know (something true and light)].

[First name] was the kind of person who [specific detail]. [He/She/They] spent [number] years as [job], but [his/her/their] real calling was [passion]. Ask anyone about [a famous habit, saying or story].

[First name] leaves [family and friends, named][, and (pet), who will be well spoiled by (name)].

Please join us to celebrate [first name]'s life at [time] on [day and date] at [place]. [Invitation: "Wear your brightest shirt," "Bring a story," "Come as you are."] [In place of flowers, (a small kind act or a donation).]

For ideas for the gathering itself, see Celebration of Life Ideas.

4. Faith-centered obituary template

Best when faith was at the center of their life. Use your tradition's own words, and ask your clergy or faith leader if you're unsure.

[Full name], [age], of [city], [died / entered eternal rest / returned to God / the phrase your tradition uses] on [month and day].

[First name] was a faithful member of [church / synagogue / mosque / temple / gurdwara / meeting] for [number] years, where [he/she/they] [sang in the choir / taught classes / served meals]. [His/Her/Their] faith showed in [a specific, everyday way].

[Short life story and survivors.]

[Funeral Mass / memorial service / funeral prayer / other service] will be held at [time] on [day and date] at [place]. [Visitation, burial, cremation or mourning-period details as your tradition observes them.] Memorial gifts may be made to [house of worship or charity].

[Optional: a short verse, prayer line or blessing that was dear to them.]

5. Obituary template for someone with little family

Best for someone who lived alone, outlived their relatives, or whose real family was friends and neighbors. These obituaries matter just as much, and a friend, neighbor or care team often writes them.

[Full name], [age], of [city], died on [month and day] at [place].

[First name] grew up in [town] and worked as [job] for [number] years. [He/She/They] will be remembered by [neighbors / friends at (club, library, faith community) / the staff and residents of (care home)] for [specific detail].

[First name] [was preceded in death by (names) / had no close surviving family] and leaves [friends, chosen family, a beloved pet, a community].

A [memorial / gathering] will be held at [time] on [day and date] at [place], and all who knew [him/her/them] are welcome. [Memories may be shared on the online guestbook.]

Obituary examples

These sample obituaries are original, and the people and towns are made up. We've used first names only to keep them easy to read; yours will use the full name.

Obituary example for a mother

Linda, 71, of Fernhollow, died peacefully at home on October 14, with her husband and children beside her.

Linda was a school nurse for twenty-six years, and every child in town knew her office had ice packs, crackers and a kind word, usually in that order. When she and Tom blended their families, she made sure every child had the same size stocking at Christmas. She loved her roses, mystery novels and coffee on the back porch, and she always called the next day.

Linda is survived by her husband, Tom; her children, Megan, Josh and Carly, and her stepson, Ben, and their families; seven grandchildren; and her sister, June. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 26, at Fernhollow Community Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the school nurse fund.

Obituary example for a father

Walter, 80, of Juniper Ridge, died on February 2 at Juniper Ridge Hospital.

Walt was a man of few words and many fixed things. For forty years he repaired furnaces across three counties, and he never left a house cold at night if he could help it. At home he kept the porch light on and slipped twenty dollars into your coat pocket without a word. He loved fishing at dawn, old westerns and his wife's peach pie.

Walter is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Joan; his sons, Mark and Danny; his daughter, Sue; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Earl. A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 7, at Hollis Funeral Chapel, with burial to follow.

Obituary example for a grandparent

Rosa, 88, of Stonebrook, died on June 3, at home, in the house where she raised two generations.

When her daughter's family needed help, Rosa took in her grandchildren, Daniel and Isabel, and raised them from the time they were small. She never missed a recital or a game, and the kitchen always smelled of something good. She called every grandchild "mi corazón," and every one of them believed they were her favorite.

She is survived by her daughter, Ana; her grandchildren, Daniel (Kim) and Isabel; three great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Teresa and Lupe. A rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 9, at Our Lady of the Valley, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.

Obituary example for a young adult

Jordan, 24, of Ashby Glen, died on April 18.

Jordan lit up every room with a wide grin and a terrible pun. They were studying graphic design and had just started their first job at a small print shop, where they were already the one everyone asked for help. Jordan loved skateboarding, sketchbooks, loud music in the car, and their little brother, Eli, more than anything. Their friends say Jordan always noticed who was left out and made room for them.

Jordan is survived by their parents, Michelle and Chris; their brother, Eli; their grandparents, Pat and Leon; and a wide circle of friends who will carry them always. A memorial gathering will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, at the Ashby Glen Arts Center. Please come with a favorite memory.

When a young person dies, many families say nothing about how. "Died suddenly" or simply "died" is enough.

Obituary example for a veteran

Raymond, 76, of Cedar Hollow, died on November 9 at the Cedar Hollow Veterans Home.

Ray enlisted in the U.S. Navy at eighteen and served four years as a radioman. He was proud of his service, rarely talked about it, and never missed a Veterans Day parade. He then spent thirty-two years with the county road crew and coached Little League for nearly as long. He loved the ocean, big band music and a good argument about baseball.

Ray is survived by his wife, Carol; his daughters, Lisa and Dawn; four grandchildren; and his loyal dog, Skipper. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, at Cedar Hollow Chapel, with military honors at the graveside.

For a veteran, it's common to include the branch, years of service, rank or job, and any war era. Eligible veterans can receive military funeral honors, which at a minimum include a two-person detail, the folding and presentation of the flag, and the playing of Taps. Families usually request them through the funeral director, who will need a copy of the discharge papers (a DD Form 214 or similar). At least 48 hours' notice is recommended.

Obituary example after a long illness

Helen, 64, of Marrow Point, died peacefully on August 21 at Marrow Point Hospice House, after living with cancer for six years.

Helen faced her illness the way she faced everything, with lists, good humor and a refusal to miss anything important. In those six years she saw her son married, held her first grandchild and took the trip to Scotland she had dreamed of since college. A librarian for thirty years, she never stopped recommending books, even to her nurses.

Helen is survived by her husband, Greg; her son, Andrew (Priya); her grandson, Theo; her brother, Paul; and her cat, Biscuit. The family is deeply grateful to the hospice staff for their kind care. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 30, at the Marrow Point Public Library.

Some families describe an illness as a "battle," and others prefer "lived with" or "after a long illness." Use what feels true, or leave the illness out.

Obituary example for someone with a big personality

Dolores "Dee", 83, of Willow Bend, made her final exit on March 12, and we can only assume she did it in full makeup.

Dee never entered a room quietly. She sang in the church choir, the community theater, the car and, on several occasions, the grocery store. She ran the bake sale for twenty years with the warmth of a grandmother and the discipline of a drill sergeant. Her rules for life were simple: wear the lipstick, send the card, and always bring a dish.

Dee is survived by her children, Karen and Mike; her grandchildren, Ashley, Tyler and Sam; and her best friend of sixty years, Bev. A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, at the Willow Bend Grange Hall. Sparkles are strongly encouraged. In lieu of flowers, send someone a handwritten card. Dee would.

Short death notice example

Arthur, 92, of Larkfield, died on January 5. Beloved husband of the late Margaret; father of Steven and Ruth; grandfather of four. Graveside service 11 a.m., Friday, January 10, at Larkfield Cemetery. Memorials to the Larkfield Food Pantry.

A notice like this works well in print, with a longer version online.

Pet obituary example

Buster, 13, of Fernhollow, a good boy to the very end, died peacefully at home on May 2, with his family's hands on him.

Buster came home from the shelter as a skinny, nervous pup who hid under the kitchen table. He grew into a sixty-pound shadow who followed his people from room to room and leaned on anyone who looked sad. He loved tennis balls, car rides with the windows down, and the exact moment the cheese drawer opened.

He is missed by Sarah and Mike; their kids, Emma and Jack; and his best friend and occasional rival, Pepper the cat. If you knew Buster, give your own dog an extra treat today.

A pet obituary can go on social media, in a family newsletter or on a pet memorial page. For more ideas, see Pet Memorial Ideas and Coping With the Loss of a Pet.

Where to publish an obituary, and what it costs

You can publish in one place or several:

  • The local newspaper. Many funeral homes submit the notice for you. Ask about the deadline, word limit, photo fee, and whether you'll see a proof.
  • The funeral home's website, usually included in the service price, often with a guestbook.
  • An online memorial site or social media, where friends can share stories and photos.
  • Smaller circles, such as a faith bulletin, alumni magazine, veterans' newsletter, or the paper in a town where they used to live.

Newspapers usually charge by the line, word or column inch, and a photo, extra days or a Sunday edition can add to the price. Legacy.com puts a typical newspaper obituary at under $100 to $800 or more, and a long one at up to about $2,000 in some big cities. Its sample prices for one day in print:

| | | | | :-: | :-: | :-: | | Where | Short (about 150 words) | Longer (about 600 words) | | Everett, Washington | $85 | $290 | | Chicago | $485 | $1,740 | | New York City | $780 | about $1,930 (cut to about 430 words) |

The Legacy.com page shows no date, and prices change often, so ask each paper for its current rate. Funeral.com's 2025-2026 guide gives one more example: a short five-line notice in the Los Angeles Times starts at $205. Many funeral homes include online publication in their service price, and some memorial sites let you post an obituary online at no cost.

To save money, run a short notice in print that points to the full obituary online. For printed copies for the service or for family far away, can make a lovely keepsake.

Writing the obituary and the eulogy together

If you're writing both, the checklist above holds nearly everything you need, so you only gather it once.

The two do different jobs. The obituary is the public record: who they were, who they leave, and where to come. The eulogy is the spoken goodbye, where the stories live. A detail that gets one line in the obituary, like Dee's rules for life, can become a whole story in the eulogy.

Many people write the obituary first, since it's mostly facts, and let the eulogy grow from it. For the spoken part, see Tips for Writing a Eulogy, Eulogy Examples or Short Eulogy Examples. For a reading, Funeral Poems has more choices.

Ready for the next step? Sit down with the eulogy workbook and turn the same memories into words you can read aloud, one page at a time. You can also print these obituary templates to fill in by hand.

Sources

Written by Words to Comfort

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