How to Write an Obituary: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to write an obituary step by step: what to include, how long it should be, and how to write one for a mother, father or spouse.
Create and Share an Online Obituary in Minutes
Create a respectful online obituary for a loved one in minutes. Add their photo, life story, and service details, plus a gallery of favorite photos, then share one simple link with family and friends. Choose public or private sharing, collect condolence messages, and download a print-ready PDF.
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Selection of Recent Obituaries
Keep Family and Friends Informed in One Place
Create a Respectful Obituary Page
Add a photo, obituary text, and funeral or memorial service details in a guided editor.
Share One Simple Link
Send by text, email, or social media so everyone has the same information.
Print or Save a PDF
Download a clean PDF for funeral programs, keepsakes, announcements, or records.
Photos and Guestbook
A gallery of favorite photos, and a place for family and friends to share memories and condolences.Free Downloads Free Obituary Templates, Ready to Edit
Free obituary templates you can edit in Microsoft Word, Google Docs or Pages — or copy and personalize one of our fill-in-the-blank examples. No sign-up, no charge.
Obituary Guides & Resources
Helpful guides and resources for creating meaningful obituaries and for planning memorial services – from writing tips and templates to cost comparisons and publishing options.
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Funeral Program Examples: Wording for Each Page
Funeral program examples for each page, with wording you can copy, four sample orders of service, and tips for printing at home or at a copy shop.
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First Death Anniversary: What to Do and Invitation Examples
What the first death anniversary means, how families choose to mark the day, and invitation wording plus short messages you can copy and adapt.
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How to Share an Obituary: Text, Email and Facebook Messages
Copy-ready messages for sharing an obituary link by text, email, Facebook or a family group chat, plus who to tell first, private sharing and what to check before you send.
Why families choose obituary.design
Create a polished obituary without writing experience
Share instantly by text, email, Facebook, or a private link
Choose whether the obituary is public or private
Download a print-ready PDF and image for funeral programs, keepsakes, or home printing
Add an optional photo gallery and a guestbook for memories and messages of support
Ad-free memorial pages for far less than newspaper or Legacy.com obituary listings