Free Word Templates for Tasteful Obituaries

Create a meaningful obituary with our free Word templates. Download, customize with your own text and photos, and print or share, all at no cost.

Free Obituary Templates for Word

Our professionally designed Microsoft Word templates help you create a dignified tribute to your loved one. Each template is:

  • 100% free to download and use
  • Compatible with Microsoft Word (all versions) and Google Docs
  • Easy to customize with your own words and photos
  • Print-ready for funeral programs or newspaper submission

Our Available Obituary Templates

Choose a template below, then customize it with your loved one's information.

How to Create and Share Your Obituary

  1. Download the template: Choose a template above and download it to your computer.
  2. Customize in Word: Open the template in Microsoft Word (or Google Docs). Add the name, dates, photo, and personal details.
  3. Save as PDF: Click "File" → "Save As" and select PDF format.
  4. Share or publish: Email to family, submit to your local newspaper, post on the funeral home's website, or share via Legacy.com or similar memorial sites.

Struggling with Word Formatting?

Images won't stay in place? Text keeps jumping around? During an already difficult time, fighting with Word formatting is the last thing you need.

Try our Online Obituary Maker instead. You'll get a polished result in minutes—no formatting headaches, no software required. Just choose a design, fill in the details, and share a link instantly with family and friends anywhere in the world.

Writing a Meaningful Obituary: A Guide

Writing an obituary while grieving is hard. This guide covers the essential elements of a US-style obituary to help you honor your loved one and inform others.

Essential Information

Most obituaries include:

  • Full name: Include middle name or initial, and maiden name if applicable.
  • Dates of birth and death: Month, day, and year.
  • Place of death: City and state.
  • Age at death: Often included.
  • Place of birth: City and state (optional).

Sharing Their Life Story

Personalize the obituary by briefly highlighting:

  • Key life details: Where they grew up, education, career, military service, achievements.
  • Personal touches: Hobbies, passions, personality traits (e.g., "known for his quick wit," "loved tending her garden," "never missed a Packers game").
  • Focus: What made them special? Keep it concise but warm.

Family Members (Survivors & Predeceased)

List close family using standard phrasing:

  • Survived by: Typically spouse/partner, children (and spouses), grandchildren, parents, siblings. Close friends or caregivers can be included.
  • Preceded in death by: Close family who passed away before them. Optional but common.

Service Information

Provide clear details:

  • Type: Funeral, memorial service, celebration of life, visitation, graveside service.
  • Date and time: Day, date, and time.
  • Location: Venue name and full address.
  • Other details: Reception, burial/interment, livestream link if applicable.

Flowers and Donations

  • In lieu of flowers: If the family prefers donations, name the charity and include a website or address.
  • Flowers welcome: This is assumed unless stated otherwise. Include the funeral home address if flowers should be sent there.

Writing Tips

  1. Be concise: Newspapers charge by length. Focus on what matters most.
  2. Match their personality: A warm, lighthearted person deserves a warm, lighthearted tribute.
  3. Proofread carefully: Double-check all names, dates, and addresses. Have someone else review it.
  4. Start with a template: Our free Word templates—or our Obituary Maker—give you a helpful structure so you're not starting from a blank page.

Obituary Wording Examples

Not sure how to phrase things? Here are a few examples you can adapt:

Standard Obituary

Robert "Bob" James Miller, 78, of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born on March 22, 1946, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Bob served in the U.S. Army before building a 35-year career as an electrician. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved fishing, woodworking, and cheering on the Longhorns.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Linda; his children, Michael (Sarah) and Karen (David); and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Thomas.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 20, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 1200 Main Street, Austin, TX. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Celebration of Life Tone

Margaret "Maggie" Chen lit up every room she entered—and left it laughing.

Maggie, 65, of San Diego, California, passed away on February 3, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She spent her life as a beloved elementary school teacher, inspiring thousands of kids over 30 years at Lincoln Elementary.

She is survived by her daughter, Emily; her son, Jason; her sister, Linda; and her golden retriever, Biscuit, who will miss their morning walks.

A celebration of life will be held on February 10 at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Cliffs Park. Wear bright colors—Maggie would have wanted it that way.

"In Lieu of Flowers" Phrasing

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the American Heart Association at heart.org, or by mail to 7272 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75231.

Alternatively: Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a cause dear to John's heart. Donations can be made at stjude.org.

Additional Resources