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Free obituary templates — and help writing one

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Short obituary template

NewspaperBrief

A simple notice for newspapers, funeral homes, or a brief online memorial.

Best for: newspapers, funeral homes, or a brief online memorial.

Margaret Elaine Porter, age 82, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on March 14, 2026. She was born on June 2, 1943, in Dayton, Ohio, to Henry and Louise Miller.

Margaret will be remembered for her warmth, quiet strength, and devotion to her family. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and many friends, and was preceded in death by her husband, Robert.

A memorial service will be held on March 20 at Grace Community Church. Her family is grateful for the kindness and support shown during this time.

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Life story obituary template

PersonalFull story

A fuller obituary that tells the story of a person’s life, values, and impact.

Best for: a personal, complete telling of their life.

Full name passed away on date at the age of age. Born in birthplace on birth date, name grew up brief childhood detail and carried those early lessons throughout his/her/their life.

Over the years, he/she/they built a life centered on family, faith, work, service, creativity, community. Name was known for qualities and found joy in hobbies, traditions, or favorite places.

He/She/They leaves behind survivors and was preceded in death by predeceased family. Family and friends are invited to gather on service details. Name’s legacy of legacy will continue in the lives of all who loved him/her/them.

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Traditional obituary template

FormalNewspaper

A classic structure with family, biography, service details, and memorial information.

Best for: a formal notice for newspapers and funeral home websites.

Full name, age, passed away on date in place of death. He/She/They was born on birth date in birthplace to parents.

Name graduated from school and worked as career. He/She/They married spouse on date, and together they family or life detail. Name was active in church, organizations, military service, or community groups and enjoyed hobbies.

Name is survived by survivors and was preceded in death by predeceased family. Visitation will be held visitation details, followed by funeral/memorial services at service details. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to organization or memorial fund.

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Memorial obituary template

RemembranceGentle

A gentle tribute for a memorial page, printed program, or celebration announcement.

Best for: remembrance over formal biographical detail.

In loving memory of full name, who passed away on date. Name brought qualities into the lives of everyone who knew him/her/them.

He/She/They loved interests, people, traditions, or places and will be remembered most for specific memory, phrase, or legacy. Name’s family and friends will carry forward his/her/their spirit through meaningful action or value.

A memorial gathering will be held service details. Those who wish to honor name may make a donation, share a memory, send flowers, or attend the service.

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Celebration of life obituary template

UpliftingInformal

A warm, uplifting format for honoring a joyful life and inviting people to gather.

Best for: a personal, informal, or celebratory service.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of full name, who passed away on date. Name lived with qualities and filled his/her/their days with passions, work, family, community.

Those who knew name will remember favorite traits, sayings, traditions, or memories. He/She/They had a way of specific impact and made people feel emotional impact.

Please join us for a celebration of life on date at time at location. Guests are encouraged to wear, bring, share, or remember. In name’s honor, the family invites you to donation, memory-sharing, or closing request.

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Obituary template for a father

FamilyHeartfelt

A tribute focused on love, guidance, family, and the steady role a father played.

Best for: a dad, stepfather, grandfather, or father figure.

With deep love, we announce the passing of full name, a devoted father, grandfather/partner/friend, who passed away on date. Name was born on birth date in birthplace.

He taught his family the value of values and showed love through actions, traditions, or daily habits. He will be remembered for qualities and the way he specific impact on family or community.

He is survived by family and was preceded in death by predeceased family. Services will be held details. His family will carry his memory forward through the lessons, stories, and love he gave so generously.

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Obituary template for a mother

FamilyHeartfelt

A caring format for honoring a mother’s love, strength, and daily presence.

Best for: a mother, stepmother, grandmother, or maternal figure.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of full name, a beloved mother, grandmother/partner/sister/friend, who died on date. Born on birth date in birthplace, name built a life full of family, faith, work, service, creativity.

She gave generously through specific ways she cared. Her family will remember her qualities, traditions, sayings, or favorite things and the way she made people feel emotional impact.

She is survived by family and was preceded in death by predeceased family. A service will be held details. Her love remains a guiding presence for all who knew her.

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Veteran obituary template

Military honorsFormal

A respectful format that includes military service, family, and civilian life.

Best for: someone who served in the armed forces.

Full name, rank/branch if desired, passed away on date at the age of age. Born in birthplace on birth date, name served in the branch from years and was proud to service detail, deployment, unit, or role.

After military service, he/she/they career, family, community, or volunteer work. Name will be remembered for qualities and commitment to values.

Name is survived by survivors and was preceded in death by predeceased family. Services with military honors will be held details. In remembrance, donations may be made to veterans organization or memorial fund.

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Sudden death obituary template

GentlePrivate

A careful template for unexpected loss, with gentle language and no pressure to explain too much.

Best for: an unexpected, sudden, or private loss.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of full name on date. Name was age and deeply loved by family and community.

He/She/They will be remembered for qualities, passions, and the many ways he/she/they made others feel impact. The family asks for privacy and compassion during this difficult time.

A service to honor name’s life will be held details, or “at a later date”. Those who wish to support the family may share memories, donate to a memorial fund, or follow another request.

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Turn the obituary into memorial stationery

Once the obituary is written, you can reuse the same details in a funeral program, prayer card, invitation, or thank you card.

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Obituary template FAQ

Can I use these obituary templates for free?

Yes. The templates are free to use, and the FuneralFolio obituary writer is free to start.

How long should an obituary be?

A short obituary may be 100 to 200 words. A fuller life story obituary is often 300 to 700 words, depending on where it will be published.

Do I have to mention the cause of death?

No. You can include it, use gentle wording, or leave it private. A simple phrase like “passed away unexpectedly” is enough if that feels right.