Obituary Template

A simple starting point for remembering someone you love

Finding the words to remember someone can be difficult. Start with a free obituary template below, replace the details in brackets, and add a memory that feels true to the person you love. You can use the text in a newspaper submission, an online announcement, or a printed funeral program.

The writing templates on this page are free to copy. If you also need a designed keepsake, browse the separately priced funeral program templates further down.

Start with a simple template   |   Use the obituary writer   |   Choose another wording template   |   Browse printable designs

Simple obituary template: copy and fill in the blanks

This general template brings together a death announcement, a short life story, family details, and service information. Leave out any sentence that does not fit your situation.

[Full name], [age], of [city or town], died on 2026.

[First name] was born in [birthplace] and spent much of [their] life [brief description of work, family life, community involvement, or interests]. [They] will be remembered for [a personal quality], especially [a specific memory or everyday act of kindness].

[First name] is survived by [names and relationships of surviving loved ones] and was preceded in death by [names and relationships, if you wish to include them].

A [funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life] will take place on 2026 at [time] at [venue and location]. [Add attendance or reception details if appropriate.]

[Optional: In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to charity name and verified donation address or website.]

How to use it: Select and copy the text into Word, Google Docs, or your preferred editor. Replace every bracketed field, adjust the pronouns, and remove unused sentences. Ask someone close to the family to check names, dates, and service details before sharing.

Get help drafting an obituary

Prefer a guided starting point? Use the obituary writer below with the details you want to share. Include only information you have confirmed. Review the draft carefully and correct any inaccurate names, relationships, dates, or memories before using it.

Choose an obituary template for your situation

A short announcement may be enough for a newspaper. A longer tribute gives you more room for memories. Choose the version that fits your available space and the tone you want.

• Short obituary for a newspaper or announcement
• Obituary template for a mother
• Obituary template for a father
• Obituary template for a spouse or partner
• Obituary with private or unconfirmed service arrangements

Short obituary template for a newspaper

Use this version when space is limited. Check the newspaper’s submission requirements, deadline, and price before deciding on the final length.

[Full name], [age], of [town], died on 2026. [First name] will be remembered for [one meaningful detail about their life]. [They] are survived by [family members or a brief family description]. A [service type] will be held at [venue] on 2026 at [time]. [Optional donation or condolence information.]

Obituary template for a mother

Include something about her as an individual: her work, friendships, interests, humor, or a tradition she made her own.

[Full name], [age], of [town], died on 2026. She was a much-loved mother to [names] and [other relationships she or the family would like recognized].

[First name] found joy in [interests or activities]. [Describe a meaningful part of her work, friendships, or community life.] Her family especially remembers [a specific moment, saying, or tradition].

She is survived by [loved ones] and was preceded in death by [loved ones, if appropriate]. A [service type] will be held on 2026 at [time and location]. [Optional donation information.]

Obituary template for a father

A small, recognizable detail can say more than a list of achievements. Think of something he enjoyed doing or a way he showed he cared.

[Full name], [age], of [town], died on 2026. A much-loved father to [names], he will be remembered for [a quality and an example of it].

During his life, [first name] [describe work, service, family life, or another important chapter]. He enjoyed [interests], and those who knew him will remember [a personal story or familiar habit].

He is survived by [loved ones] and was preceded in death by [loved ones, if appropriate]. Family and friends are invited to [service type] at [venue] on 2026 at [time]. [Optional donation information.]

Obituary template for a spouse or partner

Use the relationship terms and pronouns your loved one used. Include a shared memory alongside other parts of their life.

[Full name], [age], of [town], died on 2026. [First name] shared [number] years with [spouse or partner’s name], building a life filled with [shared experiences or meaningful traditions].

[First name] was known for [personal quality] and loved [interests, work, or community activities]. [Add a specific memory that captures their personality.]

[They] are survived by [loved ones]. A [service type] will be held on 2026 at [time and location]. [Optional instructions for condolences or donations.]

Obituary template for private or unconfirmed arrangements

You can announce a death without sharing a public service location. Choose the closing sentence that accurately reflects the family’s plans.

[Full name], [age], of [town], died on 2026. [First name] will be remembered for [brief life detail] and [a personal quality or memory]. [They] are survived by [loved ones, if the family wishes to name them].

[For a private service: The family will gather privately to remember their life. Thank you for respecting their privacy.]

[For plans still being arranged: Memorial arrangements will be shared once confirmed.]

A completed obituary example

This fictional example shows how the simple template can become a personal tribute. All names, places, and details are illustrative.

Alex Morgan, 78, of Willow Creek, died on March 8, 2025.

Alex spent many years repairing bicycles and helping neighbors keep theirs on the road. Saturday mornings often began with a pot of coffee, an open garage door, and someone stopping by for advice. Alex loved growing tomatoes and never let a visitor leave without a bag of whatever was ripe.

Alex is survived by a partner, Jamie; children, Robin and Casey; and three grandchildren. Alex was preceded in death by a sister, Lee.

A private family gathering will be held. Those wishing to remember Alex are invited to share a favorite story with the family.

The bicycle repairs and garden give readers something specific to remember. Your tribute can do the same with a favorite routine, a kindness, or a story told by a friend.

For more ways to begin, see our sample obituaries and writing examples.

How to write an obituary using a template

1. Confirm the essential facts. Check the person’s preferred full name, age, town, and date of death with the family. Include a nickname or maiden name if it helps readers recognize them.
2. Choose what to share. Decide together which family members, life details, and service information should be public. You do not need to include the cause of death.
3. Add a short life story. Choose a few meaningful details about relationships, work, interests, volunteering, or experiences. An obituary does not need to cover every milestone.
4. Include a personal memory. Replace a general phrase such as “always helpful” with an example of what the person did for others.
5. Confirm arrangements. Check the date, time, venue, and whether attendance is public or private. If plans are not ready, say so rather than guessing.
6. Review before publishing. Read the tribute aloud, remove unused placeholders, and ask another person to check spelling and facts. Follow the publication’s word limit and submission instructions.

Our obituary writing guide provides additional help planning a tribute.

What to include, and what can stay private

• Core announcement: the person’s name, date of death, and identifying details the family chooses to share.
• Personal tribute: a short life story and one or two meaningful memories.
• Family: surviving loved ones and people who died before them, if you wish to include these details.
• Arrangements: confirmed public service details or a note that the gathering is private.
• Optional details: birth date, cause of death, faith, donations, and acknowledgments.

Avoid publishing home addresses, personal phone numbers, or other sensitive information unnecessarily. Only name a charity or provide a donation link after confirming the family’s wishes and the destination.

Use your obituary in Word, Google Docs, or a funeral program

Copy your chosen wording into a blank Word or Google Docs document. Replace the bracketed fields, add paragraph breaks, and save an editable copy. You can then use your editor’s PDF export option if the intended recipient accepts PDFs.

An obituary and a funeral program serve different purposes. The obituary tells the person’s life story and announces their death. A funeral program is the printed handout for a service; it may contain an obituary, photographs, readings, and the order of service.

If you plan to place your tribute in a folded program, finish the wording first. Then choose a design with enough space for the text. Print one proof to check readability, margins, photographs, and folding before printing the full quantity.

Printable funeral program designs for your obituary

Once your wording is ready, you can place it in a designed funeral program or memorial keepsake. The products below are separate from the free text templates above. Check each product page for its current price, dimensions, editing method, and included file formats before ordering.

Browse all funeral program designs

Choosing a size for your printed program

A letter-size sheet measuring 8.5 by 11 inches folds in half to create a 5.5 by 8.5 inch program. A half-letter sheet measuring 5.5 by 8.5 inches folds to 4.25 by 5.5 inches. Choose enough space for the obituary, photographs, and order of service, and confirm the selected product’s print instructions.

Questions about obituary templates

Are these obituary templates free?

Yes. You can copy and personalize the wording templates on this page for your tribute. Designed funeral program products are offered separately at the prices shown in the shop.

How long should an obituary be?

The right length depends on where you will publish it. A short announcement may need only a paragraph; a longer tribute can include several paragraphs of memories and life details. Ask the newspaper or funeral home about limits and charges before writing the final version.

Do I have to mention the cause of death?

No. You can simply say that the person died or passed away on a particular date. Share additional details only if the family wants them included.

What does “preceded in death” mean?

It identifies loved ones who died before the person being remembered. For example, “She was preceded in death by her husband, David.” You can leave this section out if it does not fit the tribute.

Can I write an obituary without naming every relative?

Yes. You can use a broader description, such as “her children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends.” Discuss the wording with the family so it reflects the relationships they wish to recognize.

Can I use these templates in Microsoft Word?

Yes. Copy the wording into a Word document and edit it there. These are text templates, so no special Word template file is needed. Designed products may have different formats; check their individual listings.

What if the funeral date has not been decided?

Leave out the date and explain that arrangements will be shared once confirmed. If you update an online obituary later, recheck every service detail before publishing the change.

Should I include a photograph?

A photograph is optional. Choose one the family is comfortable sharing and check the publisher’s image requirements. For printed programs, review a printed proof to make sure the photograph is clear.

Start with one memory

You do not need to capture an entire life in a few perfect sentences. Begin with the facts, add something you will remember, and give yourself time to revise. A thoughtful, accurate tribute can be simple.

Return to the free obituary template   |   Browse funeral program designs