22 Great Obituary Examples for Friends & Family | Cake Blog (2024)

Even if you write quite a bit for your job or fun, you likely have little to no experiencewriting obituaries.

After all, most people only write obituaries for their closest family members — and even then, it’s not uncommon to assign this task to professionals who do it every day.

If you recently lost a loved one, you may want to write their obituary yourself since you know them better than anyone else. To get you started, we’ve compiled examples of many different types of obituaries that you can use as a jumping-off point.

Jump ahead to these sections:

• Obituary Example for Parents
• Obituary Example for Grandparents
• Obituary Example for a Spouse
• Obituary Example for a Sibling
• Obituary Example for an Only Child
• Obituary Example for a Minor
• Obituary Examples for Veterans or Fallen Soldiers
• Obituary Examples for Teenagers
• Obituary Examples for an Infant
• Obituary Examples for a Friend
• Obituary Example for a Blended Family
• Obituary Example for a Young Adult
• Obituary Example for an Ex-Partner or Spouse
• Obituary Example for a Work Colleague
• Obituary Example for a Loved One Who Died From Addiction
• Obituary Example for a Loved One Who Died Suddenly
• Uplifting or Funny Obituary Examples
• Places You Can Post an Obituary for a Loved One
• The Most Difficult Writing Task You’ll Ever Do

Tip: Creating an online memorial page is a quick and easy way to share an obituary, post and update funeral details, and even collect donations for funeral expenses or a charity.

What Should You Include in an Obituary?

It’s important to remember that an obituary isn’t a legal document. Since most newspapers charge the family to print an obituary, it isn’t necessarily a news article either.

Instead, it’s a unique type of article that gives notice of your loved one's death. Additionally, an obituary tells the event details of the end-of-life services and a brief biographical account of their life.

Since the family of the deceased typically writes the obituary (or gives the obituary writer details to include), it’s up to their discretion on what to cover — and, conversely, what to avoid.

Once you’re ready to write, you should consider adding:

• The deceased’s full name
• Birth and death dates
• Age of death
• Cause of death
• Name of parents
• Occupation
• Education
• Honors
• Community involvement
• Church and club membership
• Hobbies
• Names and relationships of survivors
• Time, date, and place of the memorial service
• Memorial donation information

Here are some obituary examples and snippets to get you started.

Obituary Example for Parents

You probably feel like you know your parents well, but when it comes to writing their obituary, you may challenge yourself to include early details about their life.

Writing about your parent before you were born can prove difficult, so you might want to talk with others who knew them from different times in their life.

Consider reaching out to siblings, childhood friends, work associates, or people from their current social circle. You might uncover some truly remarkable things about the person you thought you knew so well.

Of course, you may also learn a bit more about your parents by looking through scrapbooks and boxes of mementos they left behind.

For example, you might discover that your modest service member father was honored for an act of bravery or that your mother had quietly been publishing some of the poetry she wrote through the years.

Example one

Susan Louise (Thompson) Jones, 85, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, March 28, 2020. She was surrounded by her four children and husband of 55 years.

Susan was born on January 13, 1935, on her family’s farm near Smithville, Illinois. She was the fourth of nine children of Michael and Louise (Robinson) Thompson. Susan loved growing up with her large family and helping on the farm, but she hated taking care of the chickens. She often told the story of being chased by the mean rooster and preferred spending time in the garden or caring for the lambs.

Susan was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She doted on her family and was happiest when her large brood surrounded her. She hosted large Sunday dinners almost every week where her family feasted on fried chicken and lemon meringue pie.

Example two

Samuel Chester McDonald was finally reunited with the love of his life on April 2, 2020. His beloved wife of 68 years, Laura Ann (Smith) McDonald, died in 2014, and Samuel spent the last six years talking about how much he was looking forward to seeing her in heaven.

Samuel lived a long, happy life and died peacefully in his sleep at the Centerville Hospice Center after a short battle with lung cancer. He is survived by three children, Rose (Michael) Porter, Mary (Doug) Winters, and Sammy (Dorothy) McDonald. He was a beloved Papa to 14 grandchildren and recently became a great-grandfather when little Charlotte McDonald was born in February to his oldest grandson and his wife.

Samuel worked hard all his life as an employee of the BNSF Railroad. He loved trains and even had a large model train in his basem*nt that he loved sharing with his grandkids and friends.

Obituary Example for Grandparents

Your grandparents lived a large portion of their lives before you were born.

So even though you think of your grandpa as the gray-haired man who wore cardigan sweaters and passed out butterscotch candies, he was so much more.

To write an obituary that honors a life well-lived, you might need to do some research. Talk with your parents, aunts and uncles, and family friends who knew them at different stages of their lives. Otherwise, the obituary will paint the portrait of how your grandparents lived since you’ve known them.

It’s easy to pigeonhole a person but avoid doing so when writing an obituary. Instead, talk about their careers, military service, hobbies, and interests. And yes, you can also write about what they were like as grandparents — including the fact that your grandpa always passed out butterscotch candies and smelled of Old Spice.

While your goal is to write about their entire lives, you also should add details about what made them special to you.

Example one

While some retirees spend their time on the golf course or playing cards, Michael spent his golden years volunteering in the community. He delivered meals to shut-ins, administered communion to the elderly at local nursing homes, tutored children at the local library’s afterschool program, and built hundreds of birdhouses for local parks. Michael had a servant’s heart and lived by 1 Peter 4:10: “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

Michael also loved spending time with his sons and their families. As a physical educator for 28 years, he loved organizing his family into teams for softball games, bean bag tournaments, and pull-up competitions.

Example two

Grandma Joyce was a keeper of things. She had enough plastic butter tubs to hold every leftover in the tri-county area. She collected coffee grounds, aluminum pie pans, toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, and bread bags. She was the queen of “reduce, reuse, recycle” before it became a popular way of life.

She also had many passions. Grandma Joyce loved the Texas Rangers, “The Price is Right,” Janet Evanovich novels, and bingo. But Grandma Joyce’s favorite things were her flowers. She grew every variety of iris, peonies, clematis, and chrysanthemum. The members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church will surely miss the altar bouquets that she provided most weeks.

Obituary Example for a Spouse

Writing the obituary for someone you were close to is never easy, but writing the obituary for your life partner may be especially difficult.

When faced with this task, some people find it challenging to narrow down the details they include. For example, you may feel compelled to explain what made your spouse special — and the love of your life.

Give yourself plenty of time to write the obituary of a loved one. First, talk with others about the details to include and write a draft. Then, let them read it and allow it to sit untouched overnight.

Loss is a traumatic event, and you may find it too hard to form coherent thoughts. There’s nothing wrong with choosing someone else in the family to write your spouse’s obituary.

Example one

Walter Michael Shone, loving husband and father, died unexpectedly on February 18, 2020, at his home.

Walter was born on April 28, 1972, to Peter and Sandra (Tipp) Shone. His parents were quick to notice Walter’s love of music, which began at an early age. They hired a piano instructor when he was three, and began his lifelong love of the instrument.

Walter was active in Centerville High School’s music program all four years and then went on to study music education at Iowa State University. He taught high school band and choir for 22 years.

Example two

Michelle did not let her cancer diagnosis slow her down. She volunteered in her daughter’s classroom every week, even during radiation treatments. Michelle maintained a positive attitude throughout her illness and showed more concern for her husband and daughters than for herself.

Her family asks that contributions be made to her alma mater, Saint Mary’s College. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in art history and was passionate about spreading the love of arts throughout her community.

Obituary Example for a Sibling

When a person dies, there’s no requirement that somebody must write an obituary, and people approach obituary writing in many different ways.

The obituary for your sibling or any other loved one may read like a news article. There are many free templates online, which allow you to fill in the blanks with your loved one's details so that the obituary practically writes itself.

However, some choose to include details about their loved one's personality. They might consist of funny or poignant stories about the deceased that make the reader laugh or cry.

When writing the obituary for your sibling or any other loved one, think about your preferred style. There’s no right or wrong way. However, most would say that obituaries are not the place to air old grievances or disclose unflattering information.

Example one

Beth was a wonderful sister and friend. She hosted countless weddings and baby showers, brought soup to her friends and family when they were sick, left small gifts for people on their doorsteps when they were having a bad day, and was kind to all. Her vivacious and giving spirit will be missed by many.

Even though Beth was taken too soon, she lived an extraordinary life surrounded by people who adored her. Please join us as we celebrate this special person’s life at 1 p.m. on Friday, November 8, at St. Andrew’s Church in Albuquerque.

Example two

George loved a good practical joke and spent a lot of time planning elaborate tricks on his brothers and nephews. The only person who was ever spared from his good-natured trickery was his mother, who had taught him everything she knew about planning a good prank.

George also enjoyed deer hunting, fishing for catfish, sitting around a campfire, and making his own beer. His constant companion was his German Shepherd, Max.

Example three

Jane Marie Smith of Petersburg, Illinois, died in the Petersburg Hospice Center on Monday, March 30, 2023. She was 58 at the time of death.

Smith was born on July 3, 1965, to parents George and Marie (Porter) Smith. She was the third of three girls. As a child, Jane loved horses and spent every waking moment at the nearby Petersburg Horse Barn, where her father worked. She began working there in her early teens, and aside from leaving for a brief time for training in North Carolina, she spent her entire career at the facility. She took over her father’s job after George passed in 1998. Smith devoted her life to her work and thousands of riders throughout her career.

Smith was also a dedicated daughter and loving sister who doted on her six nieces and nephews. She was the fun aunt who spoiled the family’s youth and took them on adventures on their 16th birthdays.

Smith will be missed by many. Those who would like to honor her with a memorial contribution are asked to contribute to the Jane Smith Scholarship fund, which will be awarded to a local high school student each year who plans to work in an animal-related industry.

Example four

Jose Garcia of Huntsville, Alabama, went home to Jesus on May 3, 2021. He was 88 at the time of his passing.

Garcia was born to Jorge and Maria (Sanchez) Garcia on September 8, 1933. He was the fourth of four boys and spent his time trying to keep up with his older, active brothers. Perhaps because of this early, active lifestyle, Garcia excelled in track. He won the state title for the 800 meters.

Garcia earned his Bachelor of Science in secondary education with an emphasis in math from the University of Alabama, and he began working as a middle school math teacher and track coach in the Huntsville school district. He taught and coached thousands of students throughout his career.

Garcia left behind one older brother, Jorge (Juanita) Garcia, and fourteen nieces and nephews. He was a devoted brother and proud uncle, and he spent a lot of time attending his nieces’ and nephews’ sports events.

The family is hosting a visitation at the Porter Funeral Home in Huntsville on May 6, 2021, at 5:30 in the evening. The Rosary will be recited at 6:30. The funeral will be held at St. Luke’s Catholic Church on May 7, 2021, at 9 a.m. He will be laid to rest at the St. Luke Cemetery immediately following the funeral service.

Obituary Example for an Only Child

There are no particular guidelines for writing the obituary of an only child. You would include the same details that typically appear in any obituary: the birth and death dates, the deceased's occupation, and (sometimes) the cause of death.

The main difference in writing the obituary for an only child would be the section listing the survivors or those who died before your loved one. Traditionally, this list includes the deceased's spouse, their parents, their children, perhaps their grandparents, and their siblings. However, these aren’t definitive rules.

If the deceased was close to their cousins, you might include those names in the "survived by" section of the obituary. You could also list good friends, pets, or anyone else who will mourn them.

Example one

Samantha Kane, 23, died after sustaining injuries from a car accident on October 28, 2019. She was the only child of Phillip and Rose Kane, who survived at the family home.

Miss Kane was a recent graduate of Creighton University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in business administration. She was recently hired at Cole and Sons as an account executive and was looking forward to beginning her professional career.

Example two

Mr. King is survived by his fiance, Bernice Smith, and his parents, Stewart and Patricia (Porter) King.

Mr. King’s memorial service will be held on Friday, March 13, at 2 p.m. at Davidson’s Funeral Home in Winchester, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations to the American Cancer Society be made in his name.

Obituary Example for a Minor

Writing the obituary for a child can be a heartwrenching experience. Please realize that it's okay to seek help no matter the deceased's age.

The staff of a full-service funeral home may assist you with this process. You can also reach out to the minister or officiant leading the service. Of course, family and friends will also want to support you during your hour of need.

We know that many of the items on our “list of things to include in an obituary” may not be relevant for a child. However, you should still celebrate their life even though they didn’t have the opportunity to have a spouse, children, or career.

Instead, write about their interests and favorite activities. Who was their favorite band? What was their favorite movie or TV series? Include details about their personality.

Example one

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our sweet baby, Sophia Andrea Krugg. Although Sophia only lived seven months, she brought great joy to her family. They are heartbroken by her loss.

Sophia is meeting her maternal grandparents, Ralph and Cindy Schmidt, in heaven. She is survived by her parents, Michael and Kathy Krugg; a stepsister, Julianne Krugg; grandparents Andrew and Blythe Krugg; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Example two

Zeke was a bright and inquisitive child. He enjoyed taking things apart and attempting to put them back together. Even when going through his cancer treatment, Zeke was fascinated with all the machines in the hospital and kept the nurses on their toes by asking how everything worked.

Zeke also liked playing with Legos, listening to country music, playing with his cat Ralphie, and watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

He is survived by his mother, Priscilla Jones, and his stepfather, Mike; his father, Rick Abernathy, and his stepmother, Sasha; a half-brother, Samuel Abernathy; and stepsister Bethany Jones.

Obituary Examples for Veterans or Fallen Soldiers

Did your loved one serve in the military? Include their service details, even if they may make up the bulk of the obituary. If your loved one died serving our country, explain to others how they made the ultimate sacrifice.

If you were not close to the deceased or are unsure about protocols, you may need to research to understand the type of information you should include.

For example, most military obituaries feature the service member’s branch and rank. You may also include where and when they served, their job, and any decorations or honors they received from their service.

Example one

Sam took great pride in his military career. He completed Ranger School in 1963 at Fort Benning, GA, and served two combat tours in Vietnam. From 1968 to 1970, his station was in the Philippines, and in 1976-79, he served a tour in Germany. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 20 years of active duty. His decorations include a Bronze Star and many other commendations and citations awarded during his two decades of selfless service to his country.

Sam spent a great deal of his free time volunteering for veterans’ organizations and civic groups during retirement. Sam also volunteered at voting precincts each election day and faithfully displayed the Stars and Stripes in front of his home. He was a proud American.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the DAV or Wounded Warriors Project.

Example two

Maria (Smith) Thompson, 78, passed away after a brief illness on Monday, April 24, 2015, at the Johnson Military Hospital in Detroit, Michigan.

Maria was born in Panama and became a U.S. citizen in 1957. She never returned to her native country.

Maria was a proud American and served in the U.S. Army for twenty-two years, achieving the rank of Sergeant. She received an Honorable Discharge due to medical reasons.

After her military service, Maria went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and worked as a case manager for ten years. She specialized in assisting military members transition back into civilian life.

Her three children and 12 grandchildren deeply loved her. She was an avid baker and reader and was active in the First Christian Church of Detroit.

Her service will be held on Thursday, April 27, at First Christian Church at 10 a.m.

She’ll be buried with her husband, George, who preceded her in death in 2013.

Obituary Examples for Teenagers

It’s human nature to wonder about the cause of death when a young person dies.

However, when writing an obituary for a teenager, the question “What happened?” may cause additional grief or anger. Don’t feel pressured to disclose this information.

There are valid reasons why families choose to disclose the cause of death. Some may set the record straight to stop rumors from spreading in the community.

Obituary writers may include the phrase "as the result of an accident" or "after a [long/short] illness," which gives the generic cause without disclosing too many details.

Sometimes, families disclose their teenager's cause of death in hopes of preventing another tragedy.

Example one

Sally Marie Smith, 16, went to be with her Lord on April 22, 2018. Sally passed away from injuries sustained from a car accident on that same day.

Sally was born on February 20, 2002, to parents Sam and Silvia Smith. Her parents, siblings Stephanie and Steve, and her precious beagle “Pickle” survive her.

Sally attended Sweet Valley Grade School, where she participated in Art Club and Girls on the Run. She then spent sixth through eighth grade at Spring Town Middle School, where she excelled in the clarinet and running cross country.

Sally was a junior at Spring Town High School, where she was involved in many clubs and activities. She was junior class president, a member of the National Honor Society, and first chair clarinet in the school’s concert band.

Services for Sally will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 26, at Spring Town Funeral Home. The family requests that attendees wear purple, which was Sally’s favorite color.

Example two

Michael was a friend to everyone. His cheerful disposition and likable personality made it difficult to understand the severe depression he was experiencing. However, Michael took his own life on Saturday, April 26, 2019.

If you are thinking about suicide or are worried about a friend or loved one, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. The Lifeline is open to everyone. Call 1-800-273-8255 for free and confidential help.

The family also encourages parents to understand the signs of depression. These may include:

• Sadness (with or without crying)
• Anxiety
• Lack of energy and/or motivation
• Temper outbursts and/or violent episodes
• Easily irritated
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Little or no appetite, or eating too often
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Loss of interest in activities usually enjoyed (including school activities)
• Feelings of fear (even if there is no conscious reason)
• Feelings of extreme guilt or shame
• Inability to concentrate
• Poor memory
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Worsening grades
• Skipping school or classes
• Self-critical remarks
• Feelings of helplessness to change a situation
• Feelings that things will never get better
• Comment(s) about death or dying
• Writing, drawing, or listening to music about hopelessness, guns, or death
• Threatening suicide (even in a joking manner)

Obituary Examples for an Infant

Each year, about 24,000 infants are stillborn in the United States. There’s no right or wrong way to commemorate the lives of these or any other infants.

If you’re drawn into writing an obituary for your son or daughter, you might include details about how their birth was “highly anticipated” — or that their life was a “brief gift” for the family.

Writing the obituary of an infant who died hours, days, or months after birth can be an extremely emotional experience. You might include descriptions of the child’s smile or laugh while also telling others the joy the child brought to your family.

Here are some sample snippets for an obituary for an infant.

Example one

Sally Marie Smith was stillborn on Monday, April 22, 2020. Sally was the treasured daughter of Peter and Penelope (Porter) Smith. Among those mourning her loss include her siblings, Sam, Mark, and Simon. Other survivors include paternal grandparents Gerald and Mary Smith and maternal grandparents Roger and Rita Porter.

Sally’s birth was highly anticipated by many as she was the only girl in a family of three boys and 13 male first cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to MEND or another infant-loss support organization.

The family would like to thank the staff of St. Luke’s Hospital in Cleveland for their caring support following the loss of their daughter. They would also like to thank friends and extended family members for the meals and childcare provided over the last several weeks.

The family will be honoring Sally at a private ceremony.

Example two

With a broken heart, we announce the death of our beloved baby, Michael Samuel Smith.

Michael was born three weeks ago, on March 9, 2019. He had a congenital heart defect at birth, of which there was no treatment or cure. We treasured the time we had with our precious baby, and we were with him as he took his last breath and went into the loving arms of Jesus.

Even though Michael was not long on this Earth, he brought us great joy. His favorite place to be was in the arms of his mother, and he spent most of his life in her loving embrace.

We want to thank the staff of Menorah Medical Center and Menorah Hospice for the love they showered on our little Michael, as well as the support they have given us over the last several weeks.

Obituary Examples for a Friend

Anybody — including the family, the funeral home staff, or a long-time friend — can write an obituary.

Keep in mind that an obituary is different from a eulogy, even though modern obituaries sometimes have phrases similar to what you would find in a speech at a wake or funeral.

Typically, an obituary includes facts about the life of the deceased, so you may need to spend time with the next of kin to gain insight.

Being asked to write the obituary for a close friend is a great honor. When you’re finished, present it to the family for approval before posting it online or publishing it in the newspaper.

Example one

Michael was a good friend to many. His friends knew that the party was about to get good when he arrived with his bongos. He could entertain people for hours with stories about his time in the service and oft-repeated jokes about his loving mom.

Even though Michael’s entire family preceded him in death, he was never alone. The list of survivors and those who mourn his death are in the hundreds.

Instead of a traditional funeral, his friends organized a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 22, 2018, at The Hang Out on 22nd Street in Peoria. At that time, we will be collecting donations for his end-of-life expenses. All money above and beyond those expenses will be used for a scholarship in his name. Organizers of the event are also requesting that attendees wear Hawaiian shirts in honor of our friend.

Example two

Sister Maria Sanchez, 100, passed away on October 8, 2020, at the convent where she lived, surrounded by all the Sisters of her religious community.

Sister Maria was born in Puerto Rico on March 12, 1921. On February 8, 1946, she entered religious life and professed her temporary vows on September 3, 1949. Later that year, she came to Boston, MA, professed her perpetual vows on December 9, 1955.

Those who knew her will remember Sister Maria for her humility, kindness, simplicity, and eternal smile. She had a special love for her work in a nursing home near her parish. She joyfully lived her consecration to God in total dedication to the service of the sick and her Sisters.

Sister Maria was preceded in death by her parents, Roderick and Maria Sanchez, and several brothers and sisters. She is survived by her sisters Rosa and Elizabeth.

Friends may pay their respects at St. Michael’s Chapel, 800 N. 18th St., Boston, MA on October 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. The Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m., and the Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on October 13 at 10:00 a.m., followed by interment at Saint Michael Cemetery.

Obituary Example for a Blended Family

Consider everyone’s feelings as you write an obituary. Unfortunately, poor word choices or excluding someone from the list of survivors may hurt feelings, making the relationship challenging to repair.

You should also consider how you’d label people in an obituary. For example, some prefer to name stepchildren as “children,” but others feel the need to make a designation. Again, though, this isn’t a legal document, so it’s up to you to decide how to frame everything.

Here are sample obituaries for blended families, with a special focus on the list of survivors.

Example one

Brenda left behind her husband, Marcos, who survives in the home. Other survivors include her daughter, Penelope (Michael) Ruiz; her stepson Peter (Samantha) Smith; and her stepdaughter Frida Smith (Sandra Porter). Brenda was also the loving Nana to four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Example two

Survivors include his four children and their spouses, Peter and Sally Smith of Lakeville; George Smith and Michael Rodriguez of Smithville, Ethan and Petunia Carter of St. Mary; and Norman and Susan Johnson of Shawnee.

Example three

Tony had three daughters with his first wife (Barbara, Nancy, and Edith) and two sons with his second wife (Michael and Alexander). Tony also had two stepdaughters (Nancy and Dominique).

Example four

The couple adopted Susan Jane in 1997 and Brian Christopher in 1999. While his marriage with Sheila did not last, both went on to remarry. They, and their new spouses, raised exceptional children.

Example five

Roger Bramble of Prairie Village passed away on March 3, 2018, at the Prairie Village Hospital. He was 76. Bramble was a loving father, stepfather, grandfather, and uncle. He will be missed by many.

The memorial service will be held at the Prairie Village Funeral Home on March 7 at 2 p.m. The family requests visitors to wear New England Patriots jerseys and spirit wear.

Example six

Cynthia was raised by her mother, Rachel, and her stepfather Michael Smith alongside her father, Peter, and her stepmother Susan. All of her parents preceded her in death.

Cynthia was survived by her husband, Roger, and their children Zoey, Matthew, Luke, and her stepson Simon.

Example seven

Meredith was a loving stepmother to her husband’s three daughters.

Survivors include her husband Brad; stepdaughters Halee, Hannah, and Kylie; sister Georgina (Samuel) Porter; and brother Michael (Sandra) Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son Peter, who died as an infant.

Obituary Example for a Young Adult

While many obituaries can celebrate a long life, some people are taken too soon.

When writing an obituary for a young adult, you might consider whether the family wishes to disclose the cause of death. However, you have no legal obligation to reveal that information.

Another issue that might come up when a young person dies is whether or not to include the name of their boyfriend or girlfriend. Of course, families handle this differently.

You may consider the length of the relationship and the age of those involved. You should also ask for the significant other’s opinion, as they may feel uncomfortable being listed as a survivor.

Here are examples to help you write an obituary for a young adult.

Example one

Samantha (Sammy) Peters of Smithville, Oregon, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2019. She was 23. The death was the result of an accidental drug overdose.

Samantha was born to parents Gregory and Shirley Peters on October 30, 1996. Her birth was followed by twin brothers (Ethan and Edgar) two years later.

Samantha went to Smithville Grade School, Northeast Middle School, and Smithville High School. She was beloved by her classmates, was elected president of her senior class, and was active in debate and forensics. In addition, she played Dorothy in the school’s production of Wizard of Oz and countless parts in other school productions.

Samantha was survived by her parents, her twin brothers, and her boyfriend, Steve Welch. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Albert and Sylvia Shang, and her paternal grandparents, Alan and Beatrice Peters.

Example two

Those who wish to donate in Mary’s name are asked to do so with Sunrise House, a shelter for battered women. The family also requests that those attending the funeral wear purple, Mary’s favorite color.

Example three

With extreme sadness, we announce the passing of Dan Dooley. Dan was a bright spark in this world and will be deeply missed by many.

Dan passed away, surrounded by his family at his home, on September 3, 2017. He had bravely fought brain cancer for two years.

Obituary Example for an Ex-Partner or Spouse

Even though an ex-partner or spouse isn’t typically in charge of writing the obituary for their ex, this situation does come up, especially if the deceased had few other family and friends.

More commonly, the deceased’s ex might’ve played a significant role in their lives, meaning they could potentially be included in the list of survivors. In any event, it’s a delicate situation.

Here are some obituary examples that mention an ex-partner or spouse.

Example one

Although Sally and Thomas expected to remain together forever, their relationship ended in 1989. However, they continued to stay friends for the rest of their lives.

Example two

Survivors include his ex-wife and mother of his girls, Charlotte Scott; daughters Margaret and Chloe; and his sister Beatrice and her husband, Nicky.

Example three

Thomas was married to Teresa Babco*ck on March 4, 1974. The couple had three daughters: Trina, Tricia, and Tiffany. The marriage ended in divorce in 2011, but the couple remained friends for the rest of their lives.

Example four

Patrick married Melanie Jones in 1967. The marriage ended in divorce. Patrick then married the love of his life, Sabrina, in 1989.

Survivors include Sabrina Jones of Horton, daughter Patty Jackson of Detroit, and one granddaughter Holly Jackson of Detroit.

Example five

Daniel Everett Morris, 63, passed away on July 6, 2023, from an unexpected heart attack. Daniel is survived by his loving wife, Cassandra. He was a proud father to two sons: Jason and David. Daniel was preceded in death by his first wife, Megan Davies Morris, and his parents, Colonel Patrick Morris and Maria Robinson Morris.

A short graveside ceremony will be held on Friday, July 10, 2023, at the Knoxville Cemetery, followed by a reception at the deceased’s home.

Example six

Colby is survived by his parents, Tony and Lisa Ouellette, his sister Jennifer, and his ex-long-time partner Michael.

Obituary Example for a Work Colleague

As a colleague of the deceased, you probably won’t be tasked with writing the obituary. However, you might need to announce their death to others within your organization.

Here are examples of death announcements in the workplace.

Example one

It is with great sadness that I must announce the death of Michael Wainwright Ashbury, President of Ashbury Enterprises. Michael passed away yesterday in his home. He was 69.

During his tenure as president, Michael opened offices in Tokyo, Berlin, and London. He was also integral in the development of the Micron 200X, which increased the availability of our product to more remote areas of the world.

Besides being our corporate leader, Michael was a leader in our industry. He was often asked to speak to congressional leaders.

Michael was survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Judith, and their husky, Micky.

Example two

We are sorry for announcing this news in this manner, but Jane Smith, head of the accounting department, died this morning as a result of a car crash. Her family has been notified.

Many of us have worked with Jane since she started here 18 years ago. She was a valuable member of our team and will be greatly missed.

Megan reached out to the Smith family this morning to offer condolences on behalf of our staff. They will let us know when funeral arrangements have been made, and we will close the office so all can attend.

Example three

As you already know, Elaine Kramer passed away after a brave battle with breast cancer last Friday. The family announced the plans for her memorial service, which will be held on Wednesday, February 3, at Palmolive Funeral Home in Spokane at 2 p.m. Susan has agreed to stay in the office to greet customers and answer the phones so the rest of us can attend the services.

Here is the link to the obituary. Please keep Elaine’s family (her husband Carl and daughter Amanda) in your prayers.

Example four

Matthew was a valuable member of our team for over 23 years, but you may not know all of his contributions.

Matthew began in the warehouse, where he loaded trucks and organized inventory. However, he was injured in a car accident, and the company transferred him to the inside sales team. He quickly proved his worth and was promoted to the outside sales department, where he won the Salesperson of the Year award eight years in a row.

Obituary Example for a Loved One Who Died From Addiction

If you were close to someone who died from addiction, we’re sorry for your loss.

As with other obituaries, it’s important to remember that you aren’t required to name the cause of death. Understandably, some families choose to leave out this detail, while others draw attention to it so their loved one’s tragedy can help make a positive impact.

Here are obituary samples that cover both scenarios.

Example one

Emile Shawshank, 23, died from an accidental overdose on Monday, January 1, 2019.

Emilie was born on November 17, 1996, to Mary and Richard Shawshank. She was an only child and the apple of her parent’s eye. She had a happy childhood. The family made frequent visits to her grandparents’ farm, and Emilie especially loved collecting eggs from the chicken house and chasing after the newborn lambs.

She graduated from Newhouse High School in 2014 and attended Northwest State University following graduation. She pledged with Kappa Delta and was elected to the social committee. She was majoring in Biology with plans to apply to vet school next fall.

Emilie began experimenting with drugs during her junior year in college. Her family discovered this fact and asked her to attend a treatment program. She promised to do so, and her family and friends thought she was doing well. However, Emilie was hiding her usage from those closest to her. Her usage led to her death.

Emilie’s parents would like to encourage others who may have a substance abuse problem to seek help immediately. They have started a fund in Emilie’s name to raise money for voluntary drug treatment programs. If you’d like information about the fund or would like to donate to it, please visit Help for Emilie’s website.

Example two

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Alcoholics Anonymous.

Obituary Example for a Loved One Who Died Suddenly

It’s up to you whether you wish to include specifics about a person’s death in their obituary. After all, people grieve their loved ones regardless of whether the death was expected or sudden.

Still, you may feel moved to share this detail with others so that they don’t feel hurt by not knowing there was cause for concern.

Here are some subtle ways to write that someone died suddenly.

Example 1

Kimberly Thomas Greenbriar, 56, died unexpectedly at her home on Friday, May 7, 2017.

While her family and friends are shocked by her death, they are thankful for her life. Kimberly was a quiet soul who relished the simple pleasures of life. She loved reading, crocheting, and spending an occasional evening with friends. Kimberly also loved exploring hiking trails and photographing wildflowers. She had an uncanny ability to find happiness in her daily activities.

Kimberly is survived by her sister, Beverly (Mickey) Carr; her cousin, Mildred Greenbriar; and many friends.

Example 2

Daria Lynn Peterson was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this world suddenly on August 6, 2023, at age 59.

She was born to Duane and Donna Asher on June 23, 1964. After graduating from Mount Vernon High School, Daria served abroad in the Peace Corps, where she met her husband, Rich Peterson. Together, they had three children: Harry, Chad, and Megan.

Daria loved spending time in the kitchen, baking bread and treats that she would share with her neighbors. She was a skilled piano player and filled her home with upbeat jazz and some classical pieces. Daria spent most weekends scouring local antique shops searching for pieces to add to her depression glass collection.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11 am on Tuesday, August 9, 2023, at Peace Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Heart Association.

Example three

Ashley Renee Thompson, 32, died suddenly as a result of a motorcycle accident on Tuesday, March 23, 2022.

She is survived by her parents, Richard and Eugenia Thompson, and her long-time partner and love of her life, Samantha Renee Richardson.

Ashley will be honored in a beach-side Celebration of Life on March 30, 2022. Family and friends will gather to share memories and say goodbye to this wonderful soul.

Uplifting or Funny Obituary Examples

Unique personalities call for unique obituaries. If your loved one was known for their sense of humor, you might consider using a bit of their wit.You can approach this in several different ways.

As the writer, you can attempt to be funny. However, we recommend carefully considering whether or not your attempts at humor will be appreciated. Ideally, run it by everyone in the immediate family.

You may also try writing a standard obituary with examples of your loved one’s funny exploits. Maybe share their signature joke or “line.”

Finally, you might consider writing your own obituary if you know that death is approaching. You’ll be gone before others can argue that your obituary was in bad taste!

Here are some examples of funny obituaries.

Example one

Allen Hilderbrand left this earth for another undisclosed location on July 5, 2016. He spent most of his life as an unsuccessful comedian, amazingly selling out shows from Topeka to Timbuktu.

He was born to amazingly normal parents, Connie and Maurice Hilderbrand of Ottawa, Iowa. But, even though his parents were honest, hardworking, trustworthy, intelligent human beings, Allen was different. He said he was often sent to the principal’s office during grade school and knew the name of every police officer in town.

Example two

Scott Visoscky, loving husband, father, and brother, quietly passed away on April 23, 2021.

Scott was known for his outrageous pranks. No one was immune to his shenanigans. He even famously pranked his 90-year-old Grandmother, much to her delight.

Example three

If you are reading this, I, Oscar Scott Peterson, am dead. Unfortunately, since I wrote this obituary before I died, I can’t include the details of the wheres and whens. However, I’m pretty sure that I will be dying of brain cancer — unless I get hit by a bus first.

Example four

Ron Anthony Crady passed away Tuesday, June 3, 2023. He was 76. He died as he liked to live — while flirting with nurses and watching football on TV. He told a joke and moments later passed peacefully.

Ron had a passionate love affair with football, beer, and pizza. He is survived by his saintly wife, Sandy, and an always-flatulent dog named Fido.

Places You Can Post an Obituary for a Loved One

If you’ve never planned end-of-life services before, you may not be familiar with how to publish an obituary. Here’s more information about the steps you’ll need to take.

Newspaper

Some newspapers require that a funeral home or cremation provider submit the obituary. This direct line decreases the likelihood of falsely printing information about a person’s passing.

Newspapers often charge a per-word fee to print obituaries. Depending on the newspaper, you may have to spend hundreds of dollars and even pay an extra fee if you wish to include a photo.

Many papers have online versions, so the obituary may be published in print and digitally.

Online memorial website

An online memorial page allows you to post an obituary and tribute that stays up as long as you want it to. Visitors to the page can write messages and share memories of the deceased.

With Cake'smemorial pages, visitors can also share pictures of the person and even donate if you set up a fundraiser. Creating a memorial page is fast and completely free.

Funeral home or cremation provider websites

It’s common for funeral homes or cremation providers to post the obituaries of those whose services they are arranging, so speak with the funeral home staff about their requirements.

Some staff may assist you with writing the obituary, while others will publish the article you provide.

To that end, some charge an additional fee to post the obituary on their website, while other companies will include the publication as part of their fees.

Social media

You may consider writing an obituary about your loved one and posting it on social media. Even though this option is free, there is a benefit to sharing the information on a larger public forum.

An obituary published in a newspaper or obituary archive will be available in perpetuity and accessed by a broader range of people.

The Most Difficult Writing Task You’ll Ever Do

As the cursor flashes on your screen, writing your loved one’s obituary may feel overwhelming.

How do you write theobituary for a mother who was your personal hero and best friend? How do you say goodbye to your four-year-old daughter, who fought so bravely against cancer?

Besides being emotionally difficult, you may also have logistical questions such as theetiquette of listing a predeceased family member. How do you name the "survived by" family members if the father was never part of the person’s life?

Remember to ask for help writing your loved one’s obituary if and when you need it. Another family member, friend, or funeral home staff member can also write the obituary.

Sources:

1. Moses, Rae E., and Giana D. Marelli. "Obituaries and the Discursive Construction of Dying and Living." Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual Symposium About Language and Society. April 11, 2004. https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=4a2275e67dc105d0f58c93fe19c20fd5adb5df86.
2. “Pregnancy and Infant Loss.” CDC. September 30, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/stillbirth/features/pregnancy-infant-loss.html