Writing an Obituary
Everything you need to write a dignified obituary, the structure, examples, fill-in-the-blank templates, and a free tool that can draft one from your details.
If you have landed here, you are most likely writing an obituary for someone you love, probably on a short deadline, and possibly for the first time in your life. This page is built to help. Below, the main questions families ask are each linked to a full guide that answers them in plain English. Start with whichever question matches where you are right now.
An obituary is shorter and simpler than it feels. Once you see the structure, the writing goes quickly, and you do not have to do it alone.
The questions families ask
How do I write an obituary at all?
Start here. The eight essential parts, a 30-minute method, and what every obituary needs.
Read: How to Write an Obituary: A Plain-English Guide →Can I see finished examples?
Fifteen real-style obituaries, traditional, short, and detailed, you can use as a starting point.
Read: 15 Obituary Examples You Can Use as a Starting Point →Is there a fill-in-the-blank format?
Free templates for traditional, short, and detailed notices, with every blank explained.
Read: Obituary Templates: Free Fill-in-the-Blank Formats →How do I write one for my mother?
What to include and examples written specifically for a mother’s obituary.
Read: How to Write an Obituary for a Mother →Not sure where to start? Use this guide
The tool we recommend: our free Letter Writer
If the blank page is the hardest part, the Letter Writer turns your facts, names, dates, a few sentences about the person, into a complete, properly structured obituary in seconds. You review it, adjust the wording, and download it. Free during our feedback period.
Try the Letter Writer free →