Best Free Obituary Templates and Obituary Samples for Loved Ones

Writing obituaries is not something that comes easily. Especially if you’re writing it for a close friend or a family member, it can get tough. This is why having an obituary template can help you go a long way. They are easy to follow and typically have everything you need to mention in writing. All you have to do is add personal information to make it more intimate.

Guide To Writing An Obituary

As a general guide, you can take a look at this checklist when writing an obituary:

Announcement

This is the beginning of the obituary, where you will mention the name, age, place, date, and time of death. It can also include the cause of death.

Life Story

This doesn’t have to be too long. You can keep it short but make sure you mention some of these things:

•       Place of birth and birth date
•       Parents’ Names
•       Siblings
•       Education
•       Marriage
•       Employment and designation
•       Achievements
•       Affiliations (political, religious, fraternal, or charitable positions)
•       Military service
•       Hobbies and short stories
•       Few characteristic traits

Family

The most important thing about this part is to mention who the deceased person is survived by. For example, spouses, children, grandchildren, siblings, or parents. Apart from this, you can even mention close friends, grandparents, or other family relatives. If a pet was very close to them, you could also add that.

Service

If you’re holding a funeral service for family and friends in the name of the deceased person, add information about the service here. Include important details like:

•       Date, time, and place of the service
•       Name of the funeral home where the service is taking place
•       Reception or visitation, if applicable
•       Name of the officiant and other people who are part of the service
•       Contact details if they need more information

Summing Up

The end part can be short with a small thank you note or a note of appreciation for those who have shown support throughout the time of grief for the family. You can also end with a poem or a short quotation. Sometimes, memorial donation details and funds started in the deceased’s name are also mentioned.

Obituary Templates Examples

General Short obituary

[name] [age] [place of residence] passed away on [date] from [cause of death]. [name], although no longer with us, died peacefully surrounded by [his/her] loved ones. [name/nickname] is survived by [spouse/children/siblings/parents]. There will be a service at [name of funeral home] at [time and date of service].

Obituary for fathers

Our father [name] died on [date] at the age of [age]. He was a wonderful man who was loved not only by his family and friends but also by all the people who knew of him. We are holding a service in his memory on [date and time] at [place of service]. All family, friends, and well-wishers are invited to participate in this service as we pay homage to the best dad we could have ever asked for.

Obituary For Mothers

My mother was a woman of greatness. She was always my pillar of support and strength whenever I needed her. With a heavy heart, I announce my mother’s passing, [name]. She was battling [cause of death] for the past few months and is finally at peace with herself. She died on [date and time] with her loved ones surrounding her. She will always be remembered in our hearts, and her memories will live on forever. We are not holding a service for her as she requested, but we appreciate everyone who has extended their love and support during this time of grief for my family.

Community To The Deceased Person

It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of [name]. On behalf of the [community details], we send our deepest condolences to [name’s] family at this difficult time. The community mourns with you and celebrates the extraordinary life of this remarkable [man/woman] who devoted [his/her] life to God through his works.

Things To Remember When Writing An Obituary

Regarding obituaries, there’s nothing better than getting a little personal and adding some inside jokes, remembrances, or anecdotes that help keep the memories of the loved one alive. Whatever you do, there’s no definite right or wrong way of writing an obituary.

However, there are a few key points that you have to remember to add. Let’s take a look at some of them

Add The Correct Details

You are declaring the death of a person, so you have to ensure that all your information is accurate. You want to get the details as close to the real deal as possible, so do proper research and have timestamps to help you write better.

Tell The Story Of The Loved One

Remember, the obituary is for the deceased, so the key focus should always be on them. Try adding a little personal information about them that perhaps others might not know or what you think is something they should know.

Consider The Length

You don’t want to write an obituary that is too long that people might not want to read. The whole point of writing an obituary is to let people know about the death, the person she or he was, and to assert a type of compassion in the reader for the deceased. So, take care of your key points and keep them simple.

Talk To Close Friends And Family

Before you start writing down the obituary, reach out to the deceased’s close family members and friends. Perhaps they might have some information or a few interesting stories that you can add to your obituary. The more you know, the better your understanding of what you should and shouldn’t add to your obituary.

Conclusion

Above everything, remember that obituaries are a way of acknowledging the dead, declaring loss, and expressing grief and joy. Not to be confused by the aspect of joy in this regard, it is more about celebrating the life of a loved one who is no longer with us on earth.