Obituary Programs

Losing a loved one is never easy, and writing an obituary for their funeral program can feel overwhelming. In the midst of grief, finding the right words to honor a life may seem daunting. Please know that you are not alone in this process.

This step-by-step guide is here to help you create a heartfelt funeral program obituary – a written tribute that celebrates your loved one’s life and shares their story with others. We’ll walk you through everything from what goes inside a funeral program to how to compose the obituary text, with warmth and clarity at every step.

For over 7 years, QuickFuneral has been a trusted partner for families, funeral homes, and planners across the USA and Australia. We’ve helped thousands craft beautiful obituary programs and funeral service booklets. Drawing on this experience and compassion, we offer the guidance below to make writing and designing an obituary program as smooth as possible. Our goal is to help you create a meaningful tribute that honors your loved one’s memory and provides comfort to all who read it.

A funeral program (sometimes called a memorial program or order of service program) is a printed booklet or card given to attendees at a funeral or memorial service. It serves both practical and sentimental purposes. Practically, it outlines the events of the service (such as prayers, eulogies, songs, etc.), so guests can follow along. Emotionally, it serves as a keepsake that family and friends can take home, preserving the memory of the deceased.

Key points about a funeral program:

• Format: Funeral programs are often a single folded sheet (creating a bi-fold brochure) or a multi-page booklet.
• Contents: A typical program includes the obituary, service details, and personal touches like photos.
• Keepsake Value: It becomes a cherished memento for attendees.
• Obituary vs. Program: An obituary for a funeral program is more personal and detailed than a newspaper notice.

Every funeral program is unique, just as every individual is unique. However, most funeral programs share a set of common elements. Knowing what goes inside a funeral program will give you a checklist to work from as you gather information and materials. Below are the key components to include, along with some tips for each:

• Cover Page – Includes a photo, full name, birth and death dates, and a short quote or title.
• Order of Service – A step-by-step outline of the ceremony (e.g., prayers, songs, eulogies).
• Obituary or Life Story – A heartfelt narrative about the deceased’s life and legacy.
• Photos – Additional pictures throughout the program or in a collage.
• Names of Family and Pallbearers – Recognizing those closest and those participating in the ceremony.
• Readings or Hymns – Any scripture, poetry, or lyrics used during the service.
• Thank You Notes – Short acknowledgments and expressions of gratitude.
• Service Details – Date, time, and location of the funeral or memorial service.
• Inspirational Quotes or Bible Verses – Words that held meaning for the deceased or offer comfort.
• Funeral Home or Charity Info – Optional section for logistical or donation information.

Writing an obituary for the funeral program might be the most challenging part, but we can break it down into manageable steps. An obituary program write-up is essentially a short biography and tribute that will live on in the printed program (and sometimes online). Follow the step-by-step guide below to craft an obituary that is accurate, respectful, and loving:

1. Gather Key Details and Memories
• Full name, age, birth and death dates
• Family relationships (spouse, children, etc.)
• Biographical milestones (education, career, achievements)
• Hobbies, character traits, and notable contributions
• Funeral service details (if relevant to include)

2. Start with a Heartfelt Announcement
• Example: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of [Name] on [Date] at the age of [Age]…”
• Optional: mention cause of death respectfully (if desired)

3. Provide a Brief Biography
• Summarize birth, upbringing, education, career, marriage/family, and passions
• Highlight qualities and how the person will be remembered

4. List Surviving Family and Preceded
• Include “Survived by…” and optionally “Preceded in death by…”
• Double-check all names and spellings

5. Include Funeral or Memorial Info
• Date, time, and place of the service
• Optional: donation info or thank-yous
• End with a meaningful closing line or quote

6. Review, Edit, and Get Feedback
• Proofread for clarity and tone
• Print a draft for layout review
• Ask a family member to review the final version

Now that you have the obituary written and all the content gathered, it’s time to create the funeral program booklet or card. The process of making the obituary program involves choosing a format, designing the layout, and printing it for the service. Here’s how you can create an obituary program step by step, with helpful tips to make it easier:

1. Choose a Format and Template
• Bi-fold, tri-fold, or multi-page booklet
• Use downloadable funeral program templates to save time
• QuickFuneral.com offers printable and editable templates

2. Customize the Design
• Insert photos and edit placeholder text in the template
• Adjust fonts and layouts to match the tone
• Keep content organized and avoid overcrowding

3. Proofread and Test Print
• Review all spellings, names, and layout elements
• Print one test copy to check quality and placement
• Get feedback from a family member if possible

4. Print the Final Programs
• Home printers, local shops, or online print services
• Use quality paper or cardstock for best results
• Print extra copies for keepsakes or late guests

5. Distribute at the Service
• Hand out at the entrance or place on a memory table
• Programs serve as both a guide and a keepsake

Writing in a compassionate, clear way can be challenging when emotions are high. To help inspire you, here are a couple of funeral program wording examples for the obituary section. These examples illustrate how you might structure the obituary and phrase the tribute. You can use them as a starting template and adjust details to fit your loved one’s story.

Example 1: Traditional Obituary Format

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Mary Ann Johnson, age 78, of Dallas, who passed away on March 5, 2025. Born July 20, 1946, in Austin, Texas, Mary lived a life full of love and service. She graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Education and dedicated 35 years to teaching at Sunnyvale High School, where she impacted countless students’ lives. In 1970, Mary married her college sweetheart, James Johnson, and together they raised two children, Michael and Laura. A woman of strong faith, Mary was an active member of Grace Church, singing in the choir every Sunday. She had a passion for gardening and was known for her beautiful roses that won several local awards. Mary’s warmth, kindness, and generous spirit made everyone feel like family.

Mary is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, James; her children, Michael (and wife Lisa) and Laura (and husband Kevin); and four adored grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Patricia Lee. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Helen Thompson. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on March 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Grace Church, 1234 Sunset Blvd, Dallas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Mary’s memory. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” – Psalm 23:1

Example 2: Short Obituary for a Simple Program

John “Jack” D. Williams, 65, of Seattle, passed away unexpectedly on January 10, 2025. Jack was born August 2, 1959, in Seattle, Washington. A lifelong resident of the city, he worked as a skilled carpenter and was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. Jack loved the outdoors – he spent weekends fishing and hiking in the Cascades, finding serenity in nature. He will be remembered for his friendly smile, his sense of humor, and the kindness he showed to friends and strangers alike.

Jack is survived by his daughter, Emily Williams; his brothers, Thomas Williams and Gary Williams; and a large circle of friends who were like family. A memorial service will be held on January 20, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Evergreen Funeral Home, 789 Pine Street, Seattle. Those who knew Jack are invited to share memories and celebrate his life. Jack’s legacy of kindness lives on in the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Creating a funeral program obituary is a labor of love. From gathering the details of a life well-lived, to crafting the obituary, to designing the program, you are doing something truly meaningful: you are preserving and sharing the story of your loved one.

Here are a few closing reminders:

• Stay True to the Person – Let their unique personality guide your tone and design.
• Quality over Perfection – It’s the heart behind your words that matter most.
• Ask for Help – Lean on friends, family, or services like QuickFuneral.com to ease the process.

Remember, QuickFuneral has been trusted for over 7 years by families and funeral homes across the USA and Australia. From easy-to-use templates to compassionate support, we’re here to help you create a beautiful and lasting tribute.

The obituary program you create will not only guide guests through the service but serve as a keepsake for years to come. Be kind to yourself—you’re doing something powerful and loving.