Looking for an obituary template? Start with our simple 5-line template or choose from specific examples for mother, father, child, or friend. All obituary templates are free to copy and customize. Essential elements: name, age, date of passing, city, and service details. We also provide complete obituary templates with family details, life stories, and personal…
Obituary Template: A Complete Guide with Examples and Free Templates
If you’re here searching for an obituary template, you’re probably facing one of life’s hardest moments. Maybe you’re sitting at your kitchen table with a blank screen, unsure where to start. Or perhaps you’re planning ahead, wanting to ease the burden for your family someday.
Either way, take a breath. Writing an obituary doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, it can be surprisingly simple—even healing. This guide provides several obituary templates you can use right away, from the bare essentials (just 5 things!) to comprehensive templates that celebrate a life well-lived. No pressure, no perfect formula. Just gentle guidance and practical obituary templates when you need them most.
Did you know? Everis offers interactive digital memorial pages that go far beyond a traditional obituary. Friends and family can share stories, photos, and reflections over time—creating an evolving tribute that honors a life and invites the community to keep memories alive. Learn more about Everis Obituaries >
Why Use an Obituary Template?
Let’s be honest—writing an obituary might be the last thing you want to think about during a difficult time. But here’s why having an obituary template matters, and why taking a moment to use one can actually help.
An obituary template ensures nothing important is forgotten. Instead of news traveling through incomplete phone calls and texts, a well-structured obituary template helps you share accurate information about services and how to pay respects.
Templates make the process manageable. Former coworkers, old neighbors, distant cousins—they all want to know. Using an obituary template lets you focus on personalizing details rather than worrying about structure.
Our obituary templates create lasting tributes. Years from now, grandchildren might search for their family history. Your words today, guided by a thoughtful template, become part of that story.
Following a template can bring unexpected comfort. Many families find that using an obituary template to write about their loved one’s life—even briefly—helps them process grief and celebrate what made that person special.
What Every Obituary Template Should Include
Here’s the thing about obituary templates: they don’t need to be long or elaborate. Even a simple obituary template serves its purpose beautifully.
Essential Elements for Any Obituary Template
This is really all your obituary template needs:
✓ Full name of your loved one
✓ Age or date of birth
✓ Date they passed away
✓ City and state where they lived
If you’re having services:
✓ When and where (date, time, location)
✓ Funeral home name
Basic Obituary Template Example:
Lawrence David LaBonte, 78, of San Francisco, CA, died January 15, 2025. Services will be held at 2:00 PM on January 18 at Johnson Funeral Home, 123 Main Street.
Simple, dignified, and this obituary template gets the job done.
Optional Details to Add to Your Obituary Template
If you want to expand your obituary template to share more about their lif
Family Connections
- Who they’re survived by (spouse, children, grandchildren)
- Who preceded them in death
- Parents’ names
- Siblings
Their Story
- Where and when they were born
- Education and career highlights
- Military service
- Hobbies and passions
- Church or community involvement
- Special achievements
Service Information
- Visitation hours
- Cemetery details
- Memorial donation preferences
- “In lieu of flowers” instructions
Personal Touches
- A favorite photo
- A meaningful quote they loved
- A funny story that captures their spirit
- Thanks to caregivers or hospice
Remember: There’s no wrong way to customize an obituary template. Include what feels right for your family.
Simple, Free Obituary Template
Feel free to copy, paste, and modify this obituary template:
[Name], age [age], of [city, state], passed away [peacefully/suddenly/after a courageous battle] on [date].
[He/She/They] will be remembered for [what made them special—their laugh, their generosity, their famous apple pie, etc.].
[Name] is survived by [list immediate family].
Services will be held at [time] on [date] at [location]. In lieu of flowers, please consider [donation preference or “donations to your favorite charity”].
Complete Obituary Template
This obituary template helps you paint a richer picture of their life, perfect for someone who touched many lives or when the family wants to share more details or memories.
[Full name], [age], of [city, state], passed away [how—peacefully, surrounded by family, etc.] on [date] at [location—optional].
Born on [date] in [location] to [parents’ names], [first name] grew up [brief childhood detail]. After graduating from [school] in [year], [he/she/they] went on to [career highlight or life path].
[First name] married [spouse’s name] on [date], and together they [built a family, traveled the world, ran a business—whatever defined their partnership]. [He/She/They] found joy in [hobbies/interests] and was known for [personality traits—quick wit, endless patience, never missing a grandchild’s game].
[Include a specific memory or characteristic that captures who they were.]
[First name] is survived by [detailed list of family members]. [He/She/They] was preceded in death by [list].
Obituary Template for Newspaper Submission
Many newspapers have specific requirements. This obituary template meets most publication standards:
[LAST NAME], [First Name] [Middle Initial] – [Age], of [City], [Date of Death]. [He/She] was born [Date of Birth] in [Birthplace]. [First Name] worked as [Occupation] at [Company]. Survivors include [relationship]: [names]. Services: [Day], [Date] at [Time], [Location]. [Funeral Home Name] directing.
Feeling overwhelmed? Quickly and easily create a lasting online obituary with Everis Obituaries. They’re interactive, digital memorial pages where friends and family can share stories, photos, and reflections to keep memories alive.
Quick Tips for Using Obituary Templates
Personalize your chosen template. Use the voice you’d use talking to a friend. If grandma never went by “Margaret” and everyone called her “Peggy,” use Peggy in your obituary template.
Start with a basic template. Write the essentials first using our simple obituary template. You can always add more later.
Ask for help filling in the template. Family members might remember stories you’ve forgotten or have details for the template you haven’t considered.
Consider your budget when selecting a template. Newspapers often charge by line or word. Our shorter obituary templates work well for print, while online memorials can use longer templates.
Take breaks while working with the template. This is emotional work. Step away from the obituary template when you need to.
Trust yourself with the template. You knew them best. Whatever you add to these obituary templates will be right because it comes from love.
Specific Obituary Template Examples by Relationship
Sometimes it helps to see obituary templates tailored to specific relationships. Here are customizable templates for different family members and friends.
Obituary Template for Mother
[Mother’s Full Name], beloved mother and [grandmother/friend/sister], age [age], of [city, state], passed away peacefully on [date], surrounded by her loving family.
Born [date] in [location], [First name] dedicated her life to her family. She raised [number] children with endless love, patience, and wisdom, creating a home filled with [warmth, laughter, traditions—specify what made her special as a mom].
Mom was known for her [famous recipes, warm hugs, life advice, gardening, etc.]. She taught us [important life lessons she imparted]. Her greatest joy was [watching her children grow, family gatherings, grandchildren, etc.].
She is survived by her children: [names]; [number] grandchildren: [names if desired]; and [other family]. She was preceded in death by [spouse if applicable] and [others].
A celebration of Mom’s life will be held [date, time, location]. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to [her favorite charity], or simply pass on an act of kindness in her memory.
Obituary Template for Father
[Father’s Full Name], devoted father and [grandfather/husband/friend], age [age], of [city, state], passed away [peacefully/after a courageous battle] on [date].
Born on [date] in [location], [First name] was a man who [showed his love through actions/never missed a game/taught by example]. He worked as [occupation] for [years], providing for his family with dedication and pride.
Dad will be remembered for [his terrible dad jokes, teaching us to fish, fixing everything, wise counsel, etc.]. He taught his children [the value of hard work, integrity, how to change a tire, etc.]. His legacy lives on in [specific ways his influence continues].
[First name] is survived by his [wife of X years, Name]; children: [names]; grandchildren: [names]; and [other family]. He was preceded in death by [names].
Services will be held at [location, date, time]. Dad would want you to [wear your favorite sports team jersey/skip the tie/share a funny story]. Memorial contributions may be made to [organization].
Obituary Template for Son or Daughter
[Child’s Full Name], precious [son/daughter] of [Parents’ Names], age [age], of [city, state], passed away [suddenly/after a courageous battle/peacefully] on [date].
[First name] brought immeasurable joy to everyone who knew [him/her/them] during [his/her/their] [number] years. Born [date], [he/she/they] lit up every room with [their smile, laughter, curiosity, kindness—specific qualities].
[He/She/They] loved [specific interests—soccer, reading, art, music, their dog, etc.]. [First name] attended [school] where [he/she/they] [achievements, friendships, favorite subjects]. [His/Her/Their] dreams included [aspirations if appropriate].
[First name] will be forever loved and missed by [his/her/their] parents, [names]; [siblings, names]; grandparents, [names]; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends whose lives [he/she/they] touched.
A celebration of [First name]’s beautiful life will be held [date, time, location]. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to [children’s charity, scholarship fund, research organization].
Though our time with [First name] was far too brief, the love [he/she/they] brought to our lives will last forever.
Obituary Template for Friend
[Full Name], cherished friend to many, age [age], of [city, state], passed away [how] on [date].
[First name] had a remarkable gift for friendship. [He/She/They] was the friend who [always listened, showed up, made you laugh, remembered your birthday, etc.]. Over [his/her/their] lifetime, [First name] built a chosen family of friends who will deeply miss [his/her/their] [specific qualities—humor, loyalty, adventures, wisdom].
Born [date] in [location], [First name] lived life fully. [He/She/They] worked as [occupation] but was known more for [hobbies, passions, volunteer work]. Whether [specific activities with friends—hosting dinner parties, organizing trips, morning coffee meetups], [First name] brought people together.
[First name] is survived by [family members if applicable]; and countless friends who considered [him/her/them] family. As [he/she/they] always said, “[favorite saying or philosophy about friendship].”]
A celebration of friendship will be held at [location, date, time]—casual dress encouraged, stories required. In lieu of flowers, do something kind for a friend in [First name]’s memory, or contribute to [favorite cause].
Frequently Asked Questions About Obituary Templates
What’s the difference between an obituary template and a death notice?
An obituary template includes biographical information and memories, while a death notice template only includes basic facts about passing and service details.
Can I modify these obituary templates?
Absolutely. Every obituary template here is meant to be customized. Add, remove, or change anything to honor your loved one appropriately.
Which obituary template should I choose?
Start with our simple obituary template if you’re feeling overwhelmed. You can always expand to the complete template if you want to include more details.
Are these obituary templates free to use?
Yes, all our obituary templates are completely free. Copy, modify, and use them however you need.
One Last Thing
An obituary doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to include every detail of a life lived. It just needs to be true to the person you’re remembering.
Whether you write three sentences or three pages, you’re doing something important—you’re marking a life that mattered and letting the world know they were here.
We’re here to help: Contact Everis anytime for support with obituaries, funeral planning, or just someone to talk to during this difficult time. We also offer pre-planning services—including writing your own obituary template in advance—so your family has one less decision during their time of grief.
