Obituary examples
Sometimes the easiest way to begin is to read one that's already written. Below are complete obituary examples for a father, a mother, a veteran, a grandmother, a spouse, and a child, plus a short newspaper version. Every name is fictional — copy any of them, change the details, and make it yours.
Obituary example for a father
Robert James Callahan, 74, of Asheville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on March 4, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born in 1951 in Knoxville, Tennessee, Bob spent thirty-one years as a high-school shop teacher and could fix anything a student handed him. He kept butterscotch candies in his coat pocket and never missed a Saturday breakfast with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marlene; his children, Daniel (Priya) and Kate Callahan-Reed; and five grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on March 12 at Grace Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Asheville Youth Workshop.
Obituary example for a mother
Elena Marie Vasquez (née Ortiz), 81, of Tucson, Arizona, died on January 19, 2026. Born in 1944 in Nogales, Elena raised four children, taught second grade for twenty-six years, and mailed handwritten birthday cards a week early so they would never arrive late. Her garden fed half the block. She is preceded in death by her husband, Antonio, and survived by her children, Rosa, Miguel, Carmen, and Luis, along with nine grandchildren. A rosary will be said Friday evening, with a funeral Mass Saturday at St. Augustine Cathedral.
Veteran obituary example
Master Sergeant Walter L. Deane, U.S. Army (Ret.), 88, of Dover, Delaware, passed away on February 2, 2026. Walter enlisted in 1957 and served twenty-two years, including two tours in Vietnam, earning the Bronze Star. After retiring he coached Little League for two decades and led the color guard at every Memorial Day parade in town. He is survived by his wife, Doris; sons Walter Jr. and Thomas; and four grandchildren. Military honors will be rendered at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Note: military service, rank, and awards should always be verified with discharge papers before publishing.
Obituary example for a grandmother
Ruth Eleanor Simms, 93, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, went home to the Lord on December 8, 2025. Known to nearly everyone as Grandma Ruthie, she made pie crust from memory, quilted for every new baby in the family, and kept a jar of pennies by the door for the grandchildren. She is survived by three children, eleven grandchildren, and nineteen great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m., with services Friday at First Presbyterian Church.
Obituary example for a spouse
Michael Andrew Poole, 61, of Portland, Oregon, died on April 30, 2026, after a brief illness. He and his wife, Jenna, were married for thirty-four years and spent every anniversary at the same stretch of coastline. He loved bad puns, early mornings, and his daughters, Ava and Noor, more than anything. A celebration of life will be held at the family home on May 10. The family asks that you bring a story rather than flowers.
Obituary example for a child
Samuel "Sammy" Ray Whitfield, age 7, of Macon, Georgia, passed away on June 14, 2026. Sammy loved dinosaurs, chocolate milk, and being read the same three books every night. He is survived by his parents, Andre and Whitney; his sister, Amara; and grandparents who adored him. A private service will be held for family and close friends. Donations may be made to the pediatric unit at Beverly Knight Olson Children's Hospital.
Short newspaper obituary example
Frances "Fran" Doyle, 79, of Providence, Rhode Island, died February 21, 2026. Born in 1946 to Thomas and Alice Doyle, she worked thirty years at the Providence Public Library. She is survived by her brother, Kevin, and two nieces. Services will be private. Many papers charge by the line, so keep this version to names, dates, family, and service details.
A blank template you can fill in
[Full name], [age], of [city, state], passed away on [date] at [location]. Born on [date] in [place] to [parents], [first name] was known for [one specific quality or memory]. [He/She/They] worked as [occupation] for [number] years and loved [interest or tradition]. [He/She/They] is survived by [family members] and preceded in death by [family members]. A service will be held on [date] at [place]. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to [charity].
Before you publish
Read the finished obituary aloud with one other family member, then verify every name, date, relationship, and military or religious detail. Newspapers rarely allow corrections after printing, and no writing tool — human or AI — can confirm those facts for you.