How to Write an Obituary

HOW TO WRITE AN OBITUARY

Writing an obituary is a difficult and emotional task. First, you will need to gather information from family and friends of the deceased about their childhood, education, career and hobbies and interests. As well, speak to the funeral home to receive any important information on the date, time and location of any funeral service, or other funeral related events. Using the template will help make the process easier and will ensure you write a properly structured obituary.  Your funeral director will handle transmittal of the obituary to the newspaper and can compile it for you to review prior to submission.

Instructions: Replace all items in ITALICS below with the appropriate information.

[GIVEN NAME] [MIDDLE NAME (AND NICKNAME)] [SURNAME NAME], [AGE], of [CITY], [STATE], died on [DATE OF DEATH] in [LOCATION OF DEATH].

[NAME] was born in [LOCATION OF BIRTH] to [PARENT’S NAMES] on [DATE OF BIRTH]. He/she went to high school at [SCHOOL NAME] and graduated in [YEAR]. He/she went on to earn a degree/certificate in [DEGREE TYPE] from [SCHOOL NAME]. He/she worked as a [JOB TYPE] for [COMPANY] for [NUMBER OF YEARS]. He/she enjoyed [ACTIVITIES/HOBBIES]. He/she received [AWARDS/HONORS] and was involved in [CHARITIES/ORGANIZATIONS].

[NAME] is survived by his/her [RELATION], [NAME] of [CITY]. (List all survivors: spouse children, siblings, parents, grandchildren, nieces and nephews). He/she is preceded in death by his/her [RELATION], [NAME]. (List predeceased: spouse, parents, children and siblings.)

[SERVICE TYPE] will be held at [LOCATION] on [DATE] at [TIME] with Reverend [NAME] of [CHURCH] officiating. Burial will follow at [CEMETERY NAME], [CEMETERY LOCATION]. [VIEWING OR VISITATION] will be held at [LOCATION] on [DATE] at [TIME]. [NAME OF FUNERAL HOME] will be handling the funeral arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to [ORGANIZATION NAME], [MAILING ADDRESS]. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to [ORGANIZATION/NAME] [FINAL WORDS].

Remember most newspapers charge by the word or by the line, this template is good for getting the all the information necessary in as few words possible. However, this template is not written in stone. You can make any adjustments you feel necessary.

Your family may also choose to place a death notice in the local newspaper and provide a link to an expanded obituary on our website.  We offer complete obituaries at no charge on our website and with family permission, we can share them to our social media pages.

How Much Does An Obituary Cost?
In our area, The Patriot-News is the area wide newspaper. Printed editions are produced Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The inclusion of a photo increases the cost. Obituaries in the Patriot-News are charged per line. An average obituary with a full color photo ranges from $500-$600; if on a Sunday - $550-$650.00.  

There are multiple local distribution newspapers in our area as well, most with weekly production, their average costs are $100.00 - $200.00 and photos can be included. 

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