How to write an obituary, step by step
To write an obituary, open with the person's full name, age, and the date and place of death, then cover their life story, surviving and predeceased family, and service details. Close with the qualities they will be remembered for. A typical obituary runs 200 to 500 words and follows a warm, dignified tone.
What to include in an obituary
Most obituaries follow a familiar order that funeral homes and newspapers expect. Including these elements makes the notice complete and easy for readers to follow:
Full name (including maiden name and nickname), age, and the date and place of death. Then a short biography: birth date and place, education, career, military service, and the milestones and passions that defined their life. Next, list surviving family and those who preceded them in death. Finally, add service details and any memorial or donation wishes.
The standard order, top to bottom
1. Announcement of death — name, age, city, and date. 2. Biographical summary — birth, upbringing, work, and interests. 3. Family — survived by, and preceded in death by. 4. Service information — date, time, and location of the funeral or memorial. 5. Closing line — a sentence on how they will be remembered, and where to send donations or flowers.
How long should an obituary be?
Newspaper obituaries are often charged by the line, so many families keep them to 200 to 300 words. A memorial-page or funeral-home obituary has no length limit and commonly runs 400 to 500 words, leaving room for a fuller life story and a warmer tribute.
A faster way to draft it
Facing a blank page during grief is hard. Instead of starting from nothing, you can enter the details you already know — name, life, family, and the qualities they'll be remembered for — and get a complete first draft in minutes, then edit it freely.