Newspaper obituary templates
A newspaper obituary template is built for print: tight word counts, dense facts, and a clean structure the paper can drop straight into its layout. Most newspapers charge by the word or line, so brevity saves money. Use the placeholders below and confirm format with the paper or the funeral home before you submit.
Sample templates
Newspaper obituary template (~140 words)
Approximately 139 words
A print-ready format that fits typical newspaper word limits. Keep facts tight, skip extended anecdotes, and confirm the paper's style guide before submission.
[FULL NAME], [AGE], of [CITY, STATE], died on [DATE OF DEATH] at [LOCATION OR HOME]. [CAUSE OR CIRCUMSTANCE, OPTIONAL]. [FIRST NAME] was born on [BIRTH DATE] in [BIRTHPLACE] to [PARENTS' NAMES]. [She/He] graduated from [HIGH SCHOOL] in [YEAR] and [DEGREE/INSTITUTION, IF APPLICABLE]. [FIRST NAME] worked as a [OCCUPATION] for [NUMBER] years at [EMPLOYER]. [She/He] was a member of [CHURCH, CIVIC GROUP, OR ORGANIZATION] and was known for [ONE DEFINING TRAIT OR PASTIME]. [FIRST NAME] is survived by [SPOUSE NAME], children [CHILDREN NAMES], [NUMBER] grandchildren, and [OTHER CLOSE FAMILY]. [She/He] was preceded in death by [PREDECEASED LIST]. A [funeral service / memorial service / celebration of life] will be held on [DATE] at [TIME] at [LOCATION]. Visitation will be held [DATE] from [TIME] at [LOCATION]. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to [CHARITY OR CAUSE].
Want something more personal than a template?
Our AI obituary generator asks you about your loved one and writes a personalized obituary in about ten minutes. The result sounds like it was written by someone who knew them.
Find a template for your loved one
Each relationship page includes templates in multiple lengths, sample obituaries, a writing guide, and a checklist.
Parents
Grandparents
Spouses
Siblings
Children
Son
No parent should have to write this. But if you do, this template helps.
Daughter
A gentle framework for the hardest obituary anyone writes.
Child
For a young child. Focuses on who they were and what they brought to your life.
Infant
Brief, tender, and respectful. For a life that was short but mattered completely.
Extended family and others
Friend
When a friend's family asks for help, or when you want to write something of your own.
Aunt
For the aunt who was a second mother, a confidant, or simply part of every holiday.
Uncle
Career, personality, and the role he played in the wider family.
Veteran
Focused on military service, honors, and post-service life. Works for any branch.
Coworker
For someone whose impact was felt every day at work.
Pet
They were family. This template lets you say so.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a newspaper obituary be?
Most papers prefer 150 to 300 words. Some charge by the word or by the line. Check the paper's rate sheet before you write, then aim for the upper end of what fits your budget.
How do I submit an obituary to the newspaper?
In most cases the funeral home submits the obituary for you. If you are submitting directly, contact the paper's obituary desk for their style guide, deadline, and rate per word or per inch.
Do newspapers have a style guide for obituaries?
Most do. Common rules include using full first names (not nicknames) on first reference, listing survivors in order (spouse, children, grandchildren, then siblings), and avoiding informal abbreviations. Ask for the paper's guide before submitting.