Writing an obituary is one of the most personal things you can do for someone who has passed away. It is a chance to share their story, honor their memory, and let the world know they mattered.
If you are wondering how to write an obituary for a loved one, this guide will help. We will walk you through the structure, offer tips for finding the right words, and show you how to create a tribute that feels true to who they were.
An obituary is a written notice that announces someone's death and celebrates their life. It is usually published in newspapers, online, or on a funeral home's website.
An obituary serves several purposes. It lets the community know about the death. It shares details about the funeral or memorial service. And most importantly, it tells the story of the person's life.
A good obituary is more than a list of facts. It captures the spirit of your loved one and helps others remember them as they truly were.
Before you put pen to paper, take some time to gather your thoughts. Here are a few things to do first.
You will need some key facts to include in the obituary. Try to collect:
Think about what made your loved one special. Ask yourself:
You might also ask other family members and friends to share their favorite memories. Their stories can help you paint a fuller picture.
Obituaries can be formal, casual, or somewhere in between. Think about what your loved one would have wanted. Were they serious and traditional? Or would they have preferred something lighter and more personal?
There is no right or wrong answer. The best tone is the one that feels true to who they were.
If you are not sure where to start, use this basic structure as a guide. You can adjust it to fit your needs.
Start by announcing the death. Include the person's full name, age, and the date they passed away. You can also mention where they died or where they were living.
Example: "John Michael Smith, age 72, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family."
Share a bit about their early years. Where were they born? Who were their parents? Where did they grow up? Did they have siblings?
Example: "John was born on March 8, 1952, in Dayton, Ohio, to Robert and Mary Smith. He grew up alongside his two brothers, David and Paul, and graduated from Fairview High School in 1970."
Talk about their education and work life. What schools did they attend? What career path did they follow? Were there any special achievements?
Example: "After high school, John earned a degree in engineering from Ohio State University. He spent 35 years working at ABC Manufacturing, where he was known for his dedication and kindness to his coworkers."
Share information about their family. Who did they marry? Did they have children or grandchildren? Family was often the center of a person's life, so this section can be very meaningful.
Example: "In 1975, John married the love of his life, Susan Marie Johnson. Together, they raised three children: Michael, Jennifer, and Emily. John was a devoted grandfather to his six grandchildren, who brought him endless joy."
This is where you bring your loved one to life. What did they enjoy doing? What made them unique? Share the little details that made them who they were.
Example: "John loved spending Saturday mornings fishing at Buckeye Lake. He was an avid woodworker and built furniture for every member of his family. Friends remember him for his warm smile, his terrible jokes, and his willingness to help anyone in need."
List the family members who survive your loved one. You can also mention those who passed away before them.
Example: "John is survived by his wife, Susan; his children, Michael (Lisa), Jennifer (Mark), and Emily; his grandchildren, Jack, Lily, Sam, Emma, Noah, and Olivia; and his brother, David. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Paul."
Include details about the funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life. Let people know the date, time, and location.
Example: "A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Evergreen Funeral Cremation and Reception, 1855 E 17th Ave, Columbus, Ohio. The family will receive visitors one hour before the service."
If the family prefers donations to flowers, mention this here. You can also suggest other ways to honor the person's memory.
Example: "In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association in John's memory."
Here are some extra tips to help you write an obituary that truly honors your loved one.
Keep It Personal: Do not be afraid to include small, personal details. These are often the things people remember most.
Use Their Voice: If your loved one had a favorite saying or a unique way of speaking, consider including it. This can make the obituary feel more authentic.
Be Honest: You do not have to make your loved one sound perfect. It is okay to mention their quirks or the challenges they faced. This makes the obituary feel real.
Read It Out Loud: After you finish writing, read the obituary out loud. This can help you catch awkward phrasing and make sure it flows well.
Ask for Help: If you are struggling, ask a family member or friend to help. You can also ask your funeral home for guidance.
An obituary is just one way to celebrate a life. Here are a few other meaningful options to consider.
A living tree is a beautiful way to honor someone's memory. It grows and thrives for years to come, just like the impact your loved one had on the world.
At Evergreen, we have partnered with The Arbor Day Foundation to help families plant memorial trees in honor of their loved ones.
Flowers are a timeless way to show you care. They bring comfort and beauty during a difficult time.
You can easily send flowers through our website. All arrangements are delivered by a local florist.
Publishing the obituary online allows friends and family from near and far to read it and share memories. At Evergreen, we offer digital obituary pages where loved ones can leave messages, upload photos, and celebrate the life of the person who passed.
Visit our Obituaries page to view memorials and learn how to publish your loved one's obituary.
Writing an obituary can feel overwhelming, especially while you are grieving. At Evergreen Funeral Cremation and Reception, we are here to support you.
Our caring team can help you find the right words, organize the details, and create a tribute that honors your loved one's life. Whether you need a little guidance or a lot of help, we are here for you.
If you have questions or would like assistance, please reach out to us. We are honored to help you tell your loved one's story.
