Read a few examples, copy the template, or let our free writer do the first draft for you from a few simple answers.
Sample obituary for a mother
Warm and traditional, about 250 words. The names are made up.
Margaret Ellen Dawson
March 1941 - November 2026 · Frisco, Texas
Margaret Ellen "Peggy" Dawson, 85, of Frisco, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Peggy was born in March 1941 in Denton, Texas, the second of four children. For 31 years she taught third grade in Plano, where generations of students learned to read in a classroom that always had a fresh rose on the teacher's desk. She was named Teacher of the Year in 1994 and was still getting letters from former students decades later.
She loved her garden, a hard crossword, Sunday dinners that ran late, and never missed a Texas Rangers game on the radio. She sang in the choir at First Methodist Church of Frisco for 40 years.
Peggy is survived by her children, Susan (Mark) Ellis of Plano, David (Jen) Dawson of Austin and Karen Dawson of Frisco; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, whom she called her "garden"; and her sister, Ruth Ann Kessler of Lewisville. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Robert, and her brother, James Collins.
A funeral will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 14, at First Methodist Church of Frisco, with burial at Frisco Cemetery. In place of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Friends of the Library.
Sample obituary for a father and veteran
Simple and formal, about 200 words.
Thomas James Whitfield
June 1938 - October 2026 · Springfield, Missouri
Thomas James Whitfield, 88, of Springfield, died on October 30, 2026.
Tom served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1960, stationed in Germany, and was honorably discharged as a sergeant. He returned home to work for 38 years as a machinist, retiring in 2000. He was a member of VFW Post 3404, a lifelong fisherman, and a familiar face at every one of his grandchildren's ballgames.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Linda; his sons, Michael (Anne) Whitfield and Steven Whitfield; his daughter, Carol (Dean) Ruiz; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Paul.
Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 7 PM at Greenlawn Funeral Home. A graveside service with military honors will follow on Friday at 10:00 AM at Springfield National Cemetery.
Sample short newspaper obituary
About 100 words. Newspapers charge by length, so short obituaries keep only the essentials.
Rosa Linda Martinez
Rosa Linda Martinez, 72, of San Antonio, passed away on September 12, 2026. A devoted mother, grandmother and parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church, she is survived by her husband, Joe; her daughters, Elena and Marisa; and five grandchildren. A Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 PM on Thursday, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 AM Friday at St. Mary's. Burial will follow at San Fernando Cemetery.
Free fill-in obituary template
Copy it, then fill in the blanks. Leave out anything that does not fit.
[Full name], [age], of [city], passed away on [date] [optional: at home / surrounded by family].
[First name] was born in [month and year] in [place] to [parents' names]. [He/She/They] [school, work, military service, and what [first name] was known for].
[First name] loved [hobbies, places, passions]. [A favorite saying or a short story the family tells.] [Faith, church or community groups.]
[First name] is survived by [spouse]; [children (and their spouses) and where they live]; [number] grandchildren; and [siblings and others]. [He/She/They] was preceded in death by [names].
A [funeral / memorial service / celebration of life] will be held at [time] on [day, date] at [place], with [burial / interment] at [cemetery]. Visitation will be [day and time] at [place].
In place of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to [charity]. The family thanks [hospice, caregivers, friends] for [their kindness].
Rather not fill in blanks?
Answer a few simple questions and our free writer drafts it for you, using only what you tell us. It comes with a free memorial page and a matching funeral program.
Tips for writing an obituary
Many families give only the month and year of birth, not the full date, and never a home address.
Newspapers charge by length and often extra for a photo. A short version for the paper and a full life story online works well.
Ask the family to check every name and spelling. Read it out loud once before you send it.
