How to Write an Obituary: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Writing an obituary for someone you love is one of the most meaningful things you can do during an incredibly difficult time. Whether you are publishing in a newspaper or creating a digital memorial page, this guide will walk you through every step.

What to Include in an Obituary

A well-written obituary typically contains the following elements:

Full name and key dates: Include the person's full legal name (and any nicknames or maiden names), date and place of birth, and date and place of death.

Life story: Share highlights of their life, including education, career, military service, hobbies, passions, and accomplishments. What made them unique? What did they love?

Family members: List surviving family members (spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings) and those who preceded them in death.

Service details: Include the date, time, and location of any funeral, memorial service, visitation, or celebration of life.

Special requests: Mention any preferred charities for memorial donations, or specific wishes of the family.

Obituary Templates

Traditional Template

"[Full Name], age [age], of [city], passed away peacefully on [date] at [location]. Born on [birth date] in [birth place] to [parents' names], [he/she] lived a life filled with love and purpose. [He/She] is survived by [family members]. A memorial service will be held on [date] at [time] at [location]. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to [charity]."

Personal / Storytelling Template

"[Name] always said that the best things in life were [personal detail]. Born in [place] on [date], [he/she] grew up [childhood detail]. [He/She] met the love of [his/her] life, [spouse name], in [year], and together they built a beautiful family. [Name] will be remembered for [characteristic] and [hobby/passion]. [He/She] leaves behind [family] and a community of friends who will never forget [his/her] [trait]."

Newspaper vs. Digital Obituary

Traditional newspaper obituaries are limited by space and can be expensive, often costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. A digital memorial page offers significant advantages:

Unlimited photos and videos, a permanent guestbook where friends and family can leave messages and light virtual candles, shareable via WhatsApp and social media in seconds, QR codes that can be placed on headstones for visitors to scan, family tree integration to show connections, anniversary reminders so the person is never forgotten, and free creation with no word limits.

How to Create a Free Digital Memorial Page

Step 1: Sign up for a free account on a digital memorial platform like RIP.

Step 2: Create a family tree and add your loved one's information.

Step 3: Upload photos, write a biography, and add personal memories.

Step 4: Choose a cultural template that matches your traditions.

Step 5: Share the memorial page link with family and friends.

Tips for Writing a Meaningful Obituary

Be specific: Instead of "she loved to cook," write "she was famous for her Sunday morning pancakes that the whole neighborhood would smell."

Include a quote: If the person had a favorite saying or life motto, include it.

Ask others: Reach out to friends and family for stories and memories you might not know.

Read it aloud: This helps you catch awkward phrasing and ensures the tone feels right.

Conclusion

An obituary is more than a death notice; it is a celebration of a life lived. Whether you choose a traditional newspaper announcement or a digital memorial page, the most important thing is that it reflects who your loved one truly was.