Short answer: Pick the style that fits, replace each bracketed blank with your details, and read it aloud before you send it. A traditional obituary lists family and service details. A short notice gives only the essentials. A celebration-style piece tells more of the story. Check newspaper length and price limits first.
Traditional obituary
Template 1
[Full name], [age], of [city, state], passed away on [date] at [place or at home], surrounded by family. Born on [date] in [place] to [parents' names], [he/she/they] [grew up in / worked as / loved ...]. [He/She/They] is survived by [spouse or partner], [children], [grandchildren], and [siblings]. [He/She/They] was preceded in death by [names]. A service will be held at [place] on [date] at [time]. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to [charity or cause].
Short death notice
Template 2
[Full name] of [city] died on [date]. [He/She/They] is survived by [closest family]. [Service details, or: A private family gathering will be held. / No service is planned.] [Optional: Donations may be made to ...].
Newspapers often charge by the line, so a short notice can be a practical choice. You can post a longer tribute online later.
Celebration-style obituary
Template 3
[Name] lived [his/her/their] [number] years the way [he/she/they] liked best: [a few words, such as with a fishing rod in hand / with flour on the apron / with a full house]. [He/She/They] was known for [quality or habit], and [he/she/they] could always be counted on to [a detail]. Friends will remember [a story in one sentence]. [Name] leaves behind [family]. We will gather to celebrate [him/her/them] on [date] at [place]. Come as you are; [optional: wear something bright].
What should I include or leave out?
- Full name, age, city and date of deathCheck spelling and dates with a second person.
- Family, living and predeceasedDecide together how to list relationships, so no one is hurt.
- Service detailsDate, time, address. For a private service, say so.
- A personal detail or twoA hobby, a phrase, a place.
- Donations or flowers request
- Leave out your home addressPublic notices can attract thieves during a service.
See our full guide to writing an obituary for more examples and advice.
- How to write an obituary
Step-by-step guide.
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Frequently asked questions
How long should an obituary be?
It depends on where it will appear. Newspapers often set length limits and charge by line or word. An online tribute can be longer.
Do I have to list the cause of death?
No. Including it is a family choice. Many obituaries leave it out.
Can I publish it online only?
Yes. Many families post on a memorial page, social media or the funeral provider's site, and some also use a newspaper.
What is funeral pre-planning and why do it?
Funeral pre-planning means recording your wishes and, if you choose, making arrangements and payments ahead of time. It spares your family from making many decisions while grieving, and it lets you compare prices calmly. You can write your wishes without paying anything, or purchase a pre-need contract with a provider. There is no right age to begin, and a plan can be changed whenever your wishes or circumstances change. What to do: start by writing down the type of service you want, any music, readings, or people to notify, and where important documents are, then share a copy with your family.
What should I look for in a pre-need funeral contract?
A pre-need contract is an agreement to buy funeral goods and services in advance, and it is worth reading closely before you sign. Check what exactly is covered, whether prices are locked in, what happens to the money, and whether the contract can be cancelled or refunded. State laws about how the funds are protected vary. Ask whether the contract is revocable or irrevocable. What to ask: ask for a copy to take home, ask what happens if the provider closes or you move, and consider having a trusted advisor or attorney review it.
Is it better to prepay with a trust or with insurance?
Neither choice is best for everyone, and the right one depends on your finances, your state, and the provider. A pre-need trust sets aside money for funeral services, while a funeral or final expense insurance policy pays a benefit when the person passes. Insurance may cover costs that rise over time, but premiums or paid-up terms matter. Trusts may let you keep more control in some cases. What to ask: ask about fees, refund rules, and who receives the money, and consider speaking with an independent financial advisor before committing.
What happens to a prepaid funeral plan if I move?
Whether a prepaid funeral plan can follow you depends on the contract and the provider, so check before you move. Some plans are portable and the funds can be transferred to a new provider, while others are tied to a single funeral home. A cancellation or transfer fee may apply, and rules vary by state. Keep the paperwork where your family can find it. What to ask: ask the provider whether the contract is transferable, what fees apply, whether you can receive a refund, and how the funds would be sent to a different funeral home.
Can I get my money back if I cancel a pre-need contract?
Sometimes, depending on the contract and the state. Revocable contracts generally allow cancellation and a refund of at least part of the money, while irrevocable contracts usually do not. State laws often set rules about how much must be returned and how soon. Some contracts keep an administrative fee. What to ask: before signing, ask whether you can cancel, how much would be refunded, how the money is held, and whether interest or growth is included. Keep a copy of the signed contract and the name of the trust or insurance company.
How do I write down my funeral wishes?
Writing down your funeral wishes is simple, and it helps your family act with confidence. Include whether you prefer burial or cremation, the type of service, any songs or readings, who should speak, and where you would like your remains placed. Add a few lines on budget and any people you want notified. A written note is usually not legally binding in every state, so consider also naming a trusted person. What to do: write it in plain language, sign and date it, keep copies with your family, and review it every few years.