Obituary Template: A Fill-in-the-Blank Format You Can Copy

This obituary template follows the order funeral homes and newspapers use, so you only have to fill in the blanks. Scroll down to copy it, then replace everything in [BRACKETS] and delete any line that doesn't apply. Each step below explains one paragraph of the template and gives phrasing choices, and the two finished examples show how a filled-in obituary reads in a traditional and a warm style.

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Time to fill in
About 30-60 minutes once you have the facts
Finished length
250-400 words; cut to 150 for print
Facts to gather first
Dates, places, family names, service details
Check with
One other relative and the funeral director

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Obituary examples

Each example below was written by Toastful from the answers shown under it, so you can see exactly how your own stories turn into a finished obituary. Names and details are fictional.

Example 1: Written on behalf of the family, traditional, typical online length

331 words

Dorothy Mae Jenkins, 91, of Lexington, Kentucky, died October 11, 2026, at her home in Lexington.

Mrs. Jenkins was born August 30, 1935, in Paris, Kentucky, to Clarence and Lula Bell Taylor. She graduated from Paris Western High School in 1953 and from Kentucky State College in 1957 with a degree in home economics.

She went on to teach home economics in Lexington middle schools for 35 years, retiring in 1992. In those years she taught three generations of Lexington children to sew a button, balance a checkbook and set a proper table. She answered every former student who wrote to her with a handwritten card.

In 1958, she married Rev. Arthur Jenkins. They made their home on Georgetown Street in Lexington, where they lived for more than 60 years.

Faith stood at the center of her life. Mrs. Jenkins sang alto in the Pleasant Green Baptist Church choir for 65 years and led the church's Sunday school for women for 20 years. Her favorite scripture was Proverbs 31:26: "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." Those who knew her will remember her kindness, her patience as a teacher, and her jam cake at Christmas, for which she was famous.

She is survived by her children, Arthur Jenkins Jr. (Pamela) and Carolyn Jenkins Wright (Donald); six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and her sister, Mildred Taylor Harris, of Paris, Kentucky.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Arthur Jenkins, in 2011; her parents, Clarence and Lula Bell Taylor; and her brothers, Clarence Taylor Jr. and James Taylor.

Funeral services will be held at Pleasant Green Baptist Church on [date and time of funeral], with burial at Cove Haven Cemetery. Visitation will be held [date, time and place of visitation].

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Green Baptist Church scholarship fund.

Dorothy Mae Jenkins will be remembered with love by her family, her church and the many students whose lives she touched.

What the writer told Toastful to get this letter
Writer
Carla, writing on behalf of the family
Basics
Born August 30, 1935, in Paris, Kentucky, to Clarence and Lula Bell Taylor. Died October 11, 2026, at her home in Lexington.
Life story
She graduated from Paris Western High School in 1953 and from Kentucky State College in 1957 with a degree in home economics. She taught home economics at Lexington middle schools for 35 years and retired in 1992. She married Rev. Arthur Jenkins in 1958; they lived on Georgetown Street for over 60 years.
Personality
Mrs. Jenkins taught three generations of Lexington children to sew a button, balance a checkbook and set a proper table. She sang alto in the Pleasant Green Baptist Church choir for 65 years and led its Sunday school for women for 20. She was famous for her jam cake at Christmas and for sending a handwritten card to every former student who wrote to her.
Survivors
Her children, Arthur Jenkins Jr. (Pamela) and Carolyn Jenkins Wright (Donald); six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and her sister, Mildred Taylor Harris, of Paris, Kentucky.
Predeceased
Her husband, Rev. Arthur Jenkins, in 2011; her parents; and her brothers, Clarence Jr. and James Taylor.
Service
Funeral services will be held at Pleasant Green Baptist Church, with burial at Cove Haven Cemetery. The family has not yet confirmed the date and time of the funeral or of visitation.
Donations
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Green Baptist Church scholarship fund.
Extras
Her favorite scripture was Proverbs 31:26: 'She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.'
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Example 2: Husband for his wife, warm and personal, short

201 words

Linda Haddad, 68, of Dearborn, Michigan, died on October 8, 2026, in Dearborn. She was born on February 14, 1958, in Detroit.

Linda graduated from Fordson High School and Wayne State University. She worked for 30 years as a pharmacist at a neighborhood pharmacy in Dearborn, where customers asked for her by name. She married Sami Haddad in 1982.

Linda remembered every customer's grandchildren and every neighbor's allergies. She made stuffed grape leaves by the hundreds for every wedding, graduation and funeral in the family. For 25 years, she walked the Ford Field Park loop at 6 a.m. every morning with the same three friends.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Sami; her daughters, Rana (Joseph) Saleh and Nadia Haddad; three grandchildren, Adam, Layla and Yusuf; and her brothers, George and Elias Khoury. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fouad and Mary Khoury.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Cedar Grove Funeral Home in Dearborn. The funeral will be Wednesday, October 14, at 11 a.m. at St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church.

Linda will be remembered for her kindness, her cooking and the care she showed everyone she knew.

What the writer told Toastful to get this letter
Writer
Sami, husband
Basics
Born February 14, 1958, in Detroit. Died October 8, 2026, in Dearborn.
Life story
Linda graduated from Fordson High School and Wayne State University, and worked 30 years as a pharmacist at a neighborhood pharmacy in Dearborn, where customers asked for her by name. She married Sami Haddad in 1982.
Personality
She remembered every customer's grandchildren and every neighbor's allergies. She made stuffed grape leaves by the hundreds for every wedding, graduation and funeral in the family, and she walked the Ford Field Park loop every morning at 6 a.m. with the same three friends for 25 years.
Survivors
Her husband of 44 years, Sami; her daughters, Rana (Joseph) Saleh and Nadia Haddad; three grandchildren, Adam, Layla and Yusuf; and her brothers, George and Elias Khoury.
Predeceased
Her parents, Fouad and Mary Khoury.
Service
Visitation Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Cedar Grove Funeral Home in Dearborn. Funeral Wednesday, October 14, at 11 a.m. at St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church.
Write mine with my stories

How to structure it

  1. 1

    Paragraph 1: the announcement

    Full name, age, hometown, date of death and, if you like, where they died. Choose the verb your family is comfortable with: "died," "passed away," "entered into rest" or a faith phrase. Add how they died only if the family has agreed to it; leaving it out is normal.

  2. 2

    Paragraph 2: early life and education

    Birth date, birthplace and parents' names, then where they grew up and finished school. One or two sentences is plenty. If identity theft worries you, give the birth year or month instead of the full date.

  3. 3

    Paragraph 3: work, service and marriage

    Their main job or jobs, military branch and years of service (only what's on their discharge papers), and their marriage, with the spouse's name and year. Include a second marriage if the family wants it there. Long community roles, like 30 years on the volunteer fire department, go here too.

  4. 4

    Paragraph 4: who they were

    This is the paragraph the template can't write for you. Fill in two or three specific things: what they loved, what they were known for, where you'd find them on a Saturday, a saying everyone will recognize. Specific beats flattering every time.

  5. 5

    Paragraph 5: survived by and preceded in death by

    List the spouse first, then children in birth order with their spouses in parentheses, then grandchildren and great-grandchildren (names or a count), then siblings. Close the paragraph with those who died before them. Decide as a family how to list stepchildren, partners and former spouses.

  6. 6

    Paragraph 6: service details

    Visitation, funeral or memorial, and burial, each with day, date, time and place. If anything isn't confirmed, leave the bracket in and fill it in before you send the obituary off. For a private service, say so in one line.

  7. 7

    Paragraph 7: donations, thanks and a closing line

    Add an "in lieu of flowers" request with the charity's exact name, a thank-you to hospice or caregivers, where to share condolences, and one short closing sentence in your family's own words.

Opening and closing lines

Ways to open

  • “[FULL NAME], [AGE], of [CITY, STATE], died on [DAY, DATE] at [PLACE].”
  • “[FULL NAME], [AGE], of [CITY], passed away on [DATE], surrounded by [FAMILY MEMBERS].”
  • “[FULL NAME], [AGE], a lifelong resident of [TOWN], entered into rest on [DATE].”
  • “[FULL NAME] of [CITY], [STATE], went home to be with the Lord on [DATE] at the age of [AGE].”
  • “It is with great sadness that the family of [FULL NAME] announces [HER/HIS] death on [DATE] in [CITY]. [SHE/HE] was [AGE].”
  • “[FULL NAME] ([MAIDEN NAME]), [AGE], of [CITY], died on [DATE], [NUMBER] days after [HER/HIS] [NUMBER]th birthday.”
  • “[FULL NAME], [AGE], died unexpectedly on [DATE] in [CITY].”
  • “[FULL NAME], [AGE], died on [DATE] in [CITY], where [SHE/HE] had lived for [NUMBER] years.”
  • “[FIRST NAME] "[NICKNAME]" [LAST NAME], [AGE], of [CITY], died on [DATE]. To most of [TOWN], [SHE/HE] was simply [WHAT PEOPLE CALLED THEM, E.G. 'COACH' OR 'MISS JEAN'].”

Closing lines

  • “In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [ORGANIZATION] at [WEBSITE OR ADDRESS].”
  • “The family wishes to thank [HOSPICE, CARE HOME OR CAREGIVER'S NAME] for their compassionate care.”
  • “Services will be private. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.”
  • “Online condolences may be shared at [FUNERAL HOME WEBSITE].”
  • “Arrangements are entrusted to [FUNERAL HOME], [CITY].”
  • “[SHE/HE] will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.”
  • “Those who wish to honor [FIRST NAME] are invited to [DO SOMETHING THEY LOVED, E.G. PLANT A TOMATO, READ TO A CHILD].”
  • “[SHE/HE] was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew [HER/HIM].”
  • “May [HER/HIS] memory be a blessing.”

Fill-in-the-blank template

Prefer to write it yourself? Copy this and replace everything in [brackets].

[FULL NAME, INCLUDING MIDDLE OR MAIDEN NAME AND "NICKNAME"], [AGE], of [CITY, STATE], [DIED / PASSED AWAY / ENTERED INTO REST] on [DAY, DATE] at [PLACE, E.G. HOME, HOSPITAL OR CARE HOME]. [OPTIONAL: HOW THEY DIED, ONLY IF THE FAMILY WISHES.]

[SHE/HE] was born on [DATE] in [BIRTHPLACE] to [PARENTS' FULL NAMES]. [SHE/HE] grew up in [TOWN] and graduated from [HIGH SCHOOL] in [YEAR]. [OPTIONAL: [SHE/HE] went on to earn a [DEGREE] from [COLLEGE].]

[FIRST NAME] worked as a [JOB] at [EMPLOYER] for [NUMBER] years, [ONE DETAIL ABOUT THE WORK, E.G. RETIRING AS HEAD NURSE IN 2004]. [OPTIONAL: [SHE/HE] served in the [BRANCH] from [YEAR] to [YEAR], [WHERE OR HOW THEY SERVED].] In [YEAR], [SHE/HE] married [SPOUSE'S FULL NAME], and they made their home in [TOWN] for [NUMBER] years.

[FIRST NAME] was known for [ONE THING EVERYONE REMEMBERS]. [SHE/HE] loved [PASSION OR HOBBY], [SECOND PASSION] and [PEOPLE OR PLACE]. [SHE/HE] was a member of [CHURCH, CLUB OR ORGANIZATION] and [VOLUNTEERED / COACHED / SANG] [WHERE]. Friends will remember [A SAYING, HABIT OR KINDNESS, IN DETAIL].

[FIRST NAME] is survived by [HER HUSBAND / HIS WIFE / THEIR PARTNER] of [NUMBER] years, [NAME]; [HER/HIS] children, [NAME (SPOUSE'S NAME)] of [CITY] and [NAME (SPOUSE'S NAME)] of [CITY]; [NUMBER] grandchildren, [NAMES]; [NUMBER] great-grandchildren; and [HER/HIS] [SISTER/BROTHER], [NAME]. [SHE/HE] was preceded in death by [HER/HIS] parents; [SPOUSE, IF APPLICABLE]; and [SIBLINGS OR CHILDREN].

Visitation will be held on [DAY, DATE] from [TIME] to [TIME] at [FUNERAL HOME, ADDRESS]. A [FUNERAL / MEMORIAL / CELEBRATION OF LIFE] will take place on [DAY, DATE] at [TIME] at [PLACE], with burial at [CEMETERY]. [OR: Services will be private.]

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to [ORGANIZATION]. The family is grateful to [HOSPICE OR CAREGIVERS] for their kindness. Condolences may be shared at [WEBSITE]. [ONE SHORT CLOSING LINE IN YOUR FAMILY'S WORDS.]

Tips and mistakes to avoid

Do

  • Fill in the template in a shared document so siblings can add names and correct dates before anyone sends it off.
  • Copy names from a reliable source, like a family Bible, the funeral home's form or a wedding invitation, to get spellings and middle initials right.
  • Delete whole lines that don't apply rather than leaving them awkwardly half-filled; not every life has military service or a second marriage.
  • Keep every [BRACKET] until the fact is confirmed, then search the finished draft for "[" before you publish.
  • Ask the funeral home which format their website and the local paper use, and match it.
  • Write paragraph 4 last, once the facts are in place, and ask two relatives for one detail each.
  • Save a 120-150 word version for print by keeping paragraphs 1, 5 and 6 and one line from paragraph 4.

Avoid

  • Don't publish with a placeholder still in it; one missed [DATE] is the most common template error.
  • Don't fill every line just because it's there; a template is a checklist, not a rule.
  • Don't let the template make it sound generic; change at least the personality paragraph completely into your own words.
  • Don't mix tenses; obituaries are written in past tense, except for survivors, who "are" still here.
  • Don't list grandchildren by name for some branches of the family and by number for others.
  • Don't guess a cause of death, rank or service time to finish a sentence.

Frequently asked questions

What is the standard obituary format?

The standard obituary format runs in this order: an announcement with name, age, hometown and date of death; birth, parents and early life; education, work, military service and marriage; personality and interests; survivors and those who died before; service details; and donation wishes or thanks. The template on this page follows that order paragraph by paragraph, so you can fill it in from top to bottom.

What information do I need before filling in an obituary template?

Gather the full legal name and any nickname, birth date and place, date and place of death, parents' names, schools, jobs, military branch and years, spouse's name and wedding year, the names of children, their spouses, grandchildren and siblings, those who died before, and service and donation details. Ask the funeral home what they still need. Missing details can stay in [brackets] until confirmed.

How long should an obituary be?

Filled in completely, this template makes an obituary of roughly 250 to 400 words, which suits a funeral home website. For a newspaper, where you usually pay by the line or word and costs vary widely, trim it to the announcement, family, service details and one personal line, about 120 to 150 words. Online memorial pages are usually free, so the full version can go there.

Who should fill in the obituary template?

Whoever in the family is most comfortable writing, often a spouse or adult child. It works well to have one person draft it and one other relative check every fact. If the family is large or scattered, share the filled-in template in a document everyone can see. The funeral director can also help, and will usually handle sending it to newspapers.

Do I need to include the cause of death?

No. The template keeps it as an optional line because many families leave it out. If you include it, keep it short: "after a brief illness," "after a long battle with Parkinson's" or "unexpectedly." Some families name an illness so readers can give to a related charity. Whatever you choose, make sure the closest family agrees before it's published.

How do I list stepchildren, partners or former spouses?

There's no single rule, so follow what the person and the closest family would want. Many families list stepchildren right alongside other children, sometimes without labeling them "step." A long-term partner can be named first, like a spouse. A former spouse is usually left out unless the family is close or there are shared children. Talk it through before the obituary goes out.

Is a fill-in-the-blank obituary too impersonal?

Not if you treat the template as scaffolding. The facts paragraphs can stay close to the template, because readers expect them in a familiar form. The personality paragraph is where you make it yours: swap the blanks for real details, a saying, a place or a habit. That one paragraph is what people will mention when they call your family.

Can Toastful fill in the obituary for me?

Yes. Instead of a blank template, Toastful asks you the same questions in plain language, then writes a third-person obituary from your answers in about a minute, using only the facts you give and keeping [brackets] for service details you haven't confirmed. The preview is free. The full obituary is $9.95 with a print-ready PDF and e-mail copy, or $17.95 Complete with a newspaper death notice and a social media announcement. 30-day money-back guarantee.

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