Writing an obituary is usually the moment reality sets in. It’s the first public acknowledgment that life has changed, and to make matters worse, the cost can be a rude awakening. Did you know newspapers often charge by the line? It’s not uncommon to see bills ranging from $100 to several hundred dollars.
Quick Resource
Eulogy Generator – A guided writing tool that helps you move from facts and dates to a meaningful tribute, especially when you’re overwhelmed or unsure how to start.
I remember sitting at my kitchen table, credit card in hand, realizing that summarizing my grandfather’s 80 years of vibrant life was going to cost me roughly five dollars a word. It felt transactional and cold, adding stress to an already heavy heart.
That tension between your budget and wanting to write something beautiful is exactly why we put this guide together. Below is a list of obituary examples—from short and affordable to narrative and expansive—so you can find the right format to honor your person without breaking the bank.
TL;DR
If you are short on time (and let’s be honest, funeral planning leaves you with very little free time), here is the breakdown of what matters in modern obituary writing:
- Stories win: People want to read about personality and quirks, not just dates and statistics.
- Watch the cost: Print is expensive. A smart strategy is to write a short version for the paper and a longer, free version for the web.
- Family dynamics are tricky: Be very precise with your “survived by” lists to avoid hurting feelings.
- Digital is different: Online memorials give you unlimited space and allow for color photos and comments.
- Pets are family: It is totally okay—and increasingly common—to write obituaries for beloved animals.
Before You Start: 5 Factors That Shape a Tribute
Don’t just pick a template blindly. You need to weigh a few things first to save yourself a headache later. You have to figure out the right tone, how to handle messy family trees, the budget, the “call to action,” and where this is actually going to be published. (Also, make sure you know the difference between obituaries, eulogies, and elegies so you know what you’re actually writing).
If you’re feeling unsure about tone or structure, the Eulogy Generator can help you organize your thoughts.
Here is how to figure out what you need:
Tone and Personality
Do you want a formal record or a colorful story? This depends entirely on who they were. If they were a prankster, a dry, robotic paragraph might feel wrong. If they were private and serious, a flowery story might feel disrespectful.
The “Preceded in Death” Complexity
Modern families are complicated. You have to be careful when mapping out step-families, partners, and the list of those who passed before versus the survivors. Accuracy here is the best way to prevent family drama.
Publication Cost vs. Length
While long stories are beautiful, they are pricey in print. As mentioned, the hybrid approach—short in the paper, long online—is usually the smartest move for your wallet.
| Feature | Newspaper (Print) | Online Memorial / Social Media |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | High ($50 – $500+ depending on lines) | Low to Free |
| Length Limit | Strict (charged by line or inch) | Unlimited |
| Photos | Usually one black & white (extra cost) | Unlimited color galleries |
| Lifespan | One day/weekend | Permanent digital archive |
| Interaction | Passive reading | Comments, shares, and candle lighting |
Need help creating both a short print version and a longer online tribute? Try the Eulogy Generator.
The “Call to Action”
What do you want people to do after reading? donate to a charity? Visit a website? Or just leave the family alone to grieve privately? Be clear about this.
Format and Medium
Where is this being read? Writing for a newspaper requires brevity. Writing for a funeral home website or Facebook allows you to be much more conversational.
Category A: The Heartfelt & Narrative
These first five examples are all about storytelling. These are best for online memorials where you don’t have a word count limit and you really want to capture who the person was. You might also consider including specific obituary readings to add some emotional weight.
1. The “Life of the Party”
This is for the person known for their humor and social nature. Focusing on “dad jokes,” specific quirks, or their ability to command a room works better here than just listing the dates they worked at a factory.
2. The “Recipe Keeper”
Center the story on a tangible legacy, like a secret recipe. It invites the reader into the kitchen and makes the loss feel personal.
Excerpt Example: “While her birth certificate says she was born in 1945, her family believes life truly began when she perfected her Sunday gravy. The secret ingredient wasn’t love—it was an excessive amount of garlic, which she insisted was medicinal. Her kitchen table was the center of gravity for the neighborhood, a place where hungry teenagers were fed and broken hearts were mended over bowls of pasta.”
3. The Hobbyist
If they loved fishing, gardening, or restoring cars, use that passion to frame the story. It gives the reader a clear lens through which to view their life.
4. The Teacher/Mentor
For an educator, focus on the ripple effect. The legacy here is defined by the students whose lives were shaped and the knowledge passed down.
5. The “Unapologetically Unique”
This is the candid, “warts and all” approach. It’s trending because families are moving away from “saintly” portrayals to celebrate the real, imperfect human.
If storytelling feels intimidating, the Eulogy Generator can help you shape memories into a narrative.
Category B: Traditional & Formal
These examples are safer for print newspapers or conservative religious services. The goal here is respect, clarity, and sticking to the standard format.
| Element | Traditional Style | Modern/Narrative Style |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | “John Doe passed away on [Date]…” | “John Doe danced his way into heaven…” |
| Career | “He worked at IBM for 30 years.” | “He spent three decades building the future at IBM.” |
| Character | “He was a devoted father and husband.” | “He was the kind of dad who never missed a game.” |
| Closing | “Services will be held at…” | “Join us for a final toast at…” |
6. The Standard Religious
This follows a strict structure. It’s the safest option if you want to ensure all religious affiliations are noted and the service details are front and center.
7. The Military Honors
Rank and service history take priority here. A rigid, deeply respectful tone is necessary to honor veterans and their contributions.
8. The Matriarch/Patriarch
This format focuses heavily on the family tree. You have to pay close attention to the survivor lists here to ensure no generation is left out.
9. The “Preceded in Death” Focus
Sometimes the most comforting theme is the idea of reuniting with a spouse who passed earlier. We use the phrase preceded in death to frame the passing as a joyful reunion rather than a solitary departure.
Category C: Short & Simple
These are the functional options. Use these if you are on a tight budget or just need to get the notification out quickly.
10. The Minimalist Notice
Just the facts. It offers low cost and high clarity for expensive print publications.
Excerpt Example: “SMITH, Robert (Bob), 72, of Chicago, IL, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2024. Beloved husband of Mary; devoted father of Sarah and Tom. A private service will be held for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.”
11. The “Service Details Only”
Use this solely to drive attendance. It skips the life story to focus entirely on the *when* and *where*.
12. The Newspaper Brief
This format fits within standard column inches. It minimizes cost while still informing the community of the essentials.
13. The “In Loving Memory” Card Style
Often used for social media graphics, this is less of a biography and more of a digital prayer card.
When you need something clear, concise, and respectful, the Eulogy Generator can guide you.
Category D: Professional & Civic
Tailored for LinkedIn, industry publications, or public figures. We strip away the domestic details to focus on the work.
14. The Corporate Visionary
For a business leader. The tone shifts to professional achievements, company building, and industry influence.
15. The Community Volunteer
Highlight civic duty here. The “family” mentioned is often the community organization or charity they served.
16. The Academic/Scientific
This is essentially a CV. It focuses on publications, degrees, and intellectual legacy.
17. The Public Servant
For a government official, use this formal example. This is writing for the public record and requires a dignified, historical tone.
Category E: Sensitive & Modern Circumstances
These formats help navigate difficult losses like sudden death or mental health struggles. They emphasize bravery, boundaries, and advocacy.
18. The Sudden Loss
Addresses an untimely passing. Focus on the tragedy of time cut short while protecting privacy regarding the cause if that’s what the family wants.
19. The “Long Battle”
Acknowledge a long illness. Frame the deceased as a warrior finding peace after a difficult journey.
20. The Mental Health Awareness
This advocacy-focused format turns a tragedy into a call for societal change. Writing something like this takes courage, but it can help others.
Excerpt Example: “The family requests that instead of flowers, you have an honest conversation with a friend about their mental health. Memorial contributions can be made to [Charity Name] to help others find the light that [Name] sought so bravely.”
21. The “No Service” Request
Use this to set boundaries. It is important to manage the expectations of friends and family regarding a funeral if none is planned.
For difficult or sensitive situations, the Eulogy Generator can help you choose compassionate wording.
Category F: Pet Tributes
Pet obituaries are a growing trend for a reason—grief is grief. Here are formats for social media and memorial sites. For more specific guidance, check out our guide on writing a dog obituary.
| Pet Obituary Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Nicknames | List the silly names only the family knew (e.g., “Professor Fluff”). |
| Favorite Toy | Mention the specific item they were obsessed with. |
| Quirks | Highlight unique habits like “stealing socks” or “hating the mailman.” |
| “Survived By” | List the human owners and other pets in the household. |
22. The “Good Boy” Tribute
Humorous and affectionate. Capture the specific quirks of the dog to bring a smile to the reader’s face.
23. The Cat Companion
Capture a cat’s unique personality. Focus on the “ruler of the household” dynamic that cat owners know so well.
24. The Working Animal
A respectful example for a service animal. Liken this to a military obituary, honoring the job performed and the loyalty shown.
25. The Digital/Social Post
Short, visual, and designed for immediate community support via comments on platforms like Instagram or Facebook.
Deep Dive: Expanded Full-Text Templates
Sometimes a brief summary isn’t enough. Below are full-text templates for five specific scenarios that usually require a bit more detail. You can copy these for the “Life of the Party,” the “Matriarch,” the “Corporate Visionary,” the “Long Battle,” and the “Sudden Loss.”
1. The “Life of the Party” (Narrative & Humorous)
This weaves in details like “frozen leftovers” and “terrible dad jokes” to create a tribute that feels like a celebration rather than a funeral notice.
Template: “John Smith, 65, danced his way out of this world on [Date], leaving behind a legacy of laughter and a garage full of ‘useful’ junk he swore he’d fix one day. Known for his questionable fashion choices and his ability to make a friend in any elevator, John believed that life was too short for bad coffee or boring conversations. He is survived by his patient wife, Jane, who tolerated his accordion practice, and his children, who inherited his stubbornness but hopefully not his singing voice. A celebration of life—mandatory colorful attire—will be held at [Location].”
2. The Matriarch (Complex Family Dynamics)
This handles the massive family tree. We structure the “survived by” and “preceded in death” lists to ensure step-children, in-laws, and great-grandchildren are acknowledged accurately.
Template: “Eleanor Rigby, 89, the beloved matriarch of the Rigby clan, passed away peacefully surrounded by four generations of family. A woman of boundless energy, she raised six children, welcomed twelve grandchildren, and delighted in her eight great-grandchildren. She is survived by her devoted sister, [Name], and her children [List Names], along with their spouses who she loved as her own. She joins her husband, [Name], and her eldest son, [Name], who preceded her in death. Her legacy is woven into the quilts she stitched for every new baby in the family.”
3. The Corporate Visionary (Professional Legacy)
This balances professional accolades with personal character, ensuring the obituary sounds impressive for a press release but still warm enough for a family memorial.
Template: “Alice Wu, a pioneer in [Industry], passed away on [Date]. As the founder of [Company], Alice broke glass ceilings and built a culture of innovation that employed thousands. While the business world knew her as a fierce negotiator, her family knew her as a mentor who always made time for a phone call. Her professional accolades, including [Award Name], pale in comparison to her pride in her family. She leaves behind a blueprint for leadership that values people over profits.”
4. The “Long Battle” (Medical/Inspirational)
This highlights how to use language that honors the struggle with illness (“journey” vs. “battle”) without letting the disease overshadow the person’s spirit.
Template: “After a courageous five-year journey with [Illness], Lisa Marie Thompson found peace on [Date]. She did not lose a battle; she lived every day of her illness with a grace that inspired everyone around her. Between treatments, she continued to hike, paint, and volunteer, refusing to let a diagnosis define her joy. She is survived by her parents, [Names], who were her constant champions. The family asks that you honor Lisa’s spirit by taking a walk in nature today.”
5. The Sudden Loss (Sensitive/Tragic)
This shows how to write about potential and loss with deep empathy, and how to handle the “cause of death” section when the family prefers privacy.
Template: “It is with shattered hearts that we announce the passing of Jayden Cole, 24, on [Date]. A bright light gone too soon, Jayden possessed a kindness that made everyone feel seen. An aspiring musician and loyal friend, he had a melody for every mood. While his time with us was brief, the depth of his love will be felt forever. A private service will be held for the family. We ask for privacy and prayers as we navigate this unimaginable loss.”
From Reading to Speaking: The Eulogy Step
Transitioning from the written obituary to the spoken eulogy is a big leap. Summing up a life on paper is hard enough, but speaking those words to a room full of grieving people is a different challenge entirely.
When you’re ready to turn an obituary into spoken words, the Eulogy Generator can help you take that next step.
If you are feeling stuck or just staring at a blinking cursor, Eulogy Generator can help. It isn’t just a generic AI tool; it is a platform built by professional eulogy writer Jen Glantz. It asks interactive questions to help you brainstorm memories and organize scattered thoughts. It acts like a partner in the process, helping you find the right words when you need them most. Once the obituary is done, you can use similar themes when incorporating eulogy verses into the service.
Final Thoughts
Writing an obituary is the first step in healing. Whether you use a simple template or a complex narrative, the goal is just to honor their legacy honestly. Tools exist to help you bridge the gap between facts and feelings, so you don’t have to walk this path alone.
If you are struggling for inspiration, try looking at old obituaries online to see how others have handled similar life stories. Remember, these examples are just starting points. The best tribute is one that feels true to the person you loved, whether that involves a list of those preceded in death or a funny story about a fishing trip. Writing this is your final gift to them, and it is worth getting right.
