What Should I Put in an Obituary?

Video Transcript

The types of things that should be placed in an obituary include talking about the deceased person, what their life was about, who they were, the things they accomplished, the organizations they belonged to, the types of things they enjoyed, their family members, the schools they graduated from, and the type of work they did. There are really no rules or regulations as to what can be placed into an obituary. The other things that would be important if you are going to have a service or a celebration of life for the deceased loved one to include the time and date of when that service is going to take place. Again, your local funeral director can help you establish the appropriate obituary for you or a loved one.

Answers from Other Funeral Directors Around the United States:

Here is a list of common things to consider including in the obituary:
1. Name (Last name first, Maiden name is optional)
2. Age or Dates of Birth and Death
3. Area of Residence
4. Symbols may be included for an additional charge (i.e. a U.S. Flag for
a veteran, a Breast Cancer Ribbon, Union Local, Police or Fire)
5. People who have preceded the deceased in death
6. A list of surviving relatives
7. Military Service, hobbies, employment, social affiliations, service and
religious organizations, or personal traits.
8. Date, time, and location of memorial services and the place of burial.
*If you choose to have a private service, it is appropriate to say
"Private Services were held" and then mention the place of burial (if there is one) in
case someone would like to visit the grave after the services.
9. Special thanks to any care givers or facilities.
10. If there is a preference for memorials, include this request at the end of
the notice (i.e. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers, memorials to a
specific organization or donor's choice.)

- Abby Schilling

Funeral Director in Richfield, MN

What has meaning to you? What about your loved one resonates with you? Also, don't leave off surviving family members.

- C. A. Bankston

Funeral Director in Fort Worth, TX

Other than the deceased's name and date of passing, listing family members beginning with the closest to the deceased is suggested. Then add any social clubs or notable activates that defined that person.

- Michael Sollitto

Funeral Director in Charlotte, NC

The obituary should include hobbies, any organization or church memberships, a brief history, precedents, survivors, donations, and if there is a memorial or celebration service the date, time and place it will occur. We highly recommend limited personal information such as mother's maiden name and home address to prevent the survivors from being criminally preyed upon.

- Jessica Watts

Funeral Director in Jacksonville, FL