There may be fewer newspapers in circulation today, but obituaries are still an important part of commemorating a loved one’s life. In addition to putting an obituary in print, there are also many places online where an obit can be published.
We’ve already provided an obituary writing guide that covers all of the essentials. Our obituary checklist is another resource that goes over the specific details that are commonly included. The checklist breaks obituary writing down by section so it’s easier to create an obit that reflects your loved one’s life.
RELATED READING: Checklist: Steps to Take Before the Burial or Cremation
Death Announcement
The first section in our obituary checklist is the Death Announcement. A death announcement is a concise statement informing the public of the person’s death. It is a formal and public disclosure that an individual has passed away. It is also sometimes called a death notice. It should include the decedent’s name, date of birth and date of death. The death announcement may also include the dates and times of viewing, funeral, or memorial service.
- Deceased’s name
- Age at death
- Date of birth
- Date of death
- Place of death
- Cause of death
Life Details
Life Details should be included next in the obituary checklist. This should includes the parents’ names, place of birth, higher education, spouse’s name and marriage date. It should also includes any awards or major accomplishments as well as career and place of employment. You should include the city of residence but not the exact address. Also, include any military service and religious affiliations. Finally, include any hobbies, social groups or clubs as well as volunteer service.
- Parents’ names
- Place of birth
- City of residence (no exact address)
- Schools of note/higher education
- Marriage date and spouse’s name
- Awards, major accomplishments, etc.
- Career
- Place of employment
- Business groups and affiliations
- Military service
- Religious affiliations
- Hobbies
- Social groups or clubs
- Volunteer service
- Memberships
Family (Survived By)
The Family section is the place to include all of the living close family name and relationship to the decedent. We are all connected. This section exemplifies our connections. The family connection is very important.
- Spouse
- Parents
- Children
- Children’s Spouses
- Grandparents
- Grandchildren
- Great-grandchildren
- Siblings
- Nephews
- Nieces
- Cousins
Family (Predeceased)
Then, we transition to all of the family connections or those that have already passed. The exemplifies our connection to the past.
- Spouse
- Parents
- Children
- Siblings
Funeral Services
If you are planning to have a funeral or memorial service, you can include it in the next section of the obituary checklist. Be sure to include where flowers can be sent.
- When and where the viewing will occur (if applicable)
- When and where the funeral services will be held
- Reception details
- Where flowers can be sent
- Information about a memorial (if applicable)
- Place of internment (if applicable)
Related Information
Finally, our obituary checklist concludes with any related information. This section is helpful for those that may not be able to attend the funeral or memorial service but still want to express their condolences. Include donation instructions and any additional information.
- Where to send donations for the funeral.
- Where to send donations in lieu of flowers, etc.
- Inspirational quote.
- Personal quote from the deceased.
- Thanks to specific people, medical facilities, etc.
You can pick and choose from the details above. And don’t be surprised if you’re very limited on the word could for an obituary in a newspaper. You may want to create a short version for print and a longer version of the obituary that can be used online. The longer obituary can also be used to make announcements about the death on social media, which is increasingly more common today.
If you need assistance arranging an eco-friendly cremation our team is here to help. We’re just a call, email or text away 24 hours a day 7 days a week. All of our cremation packages includes a FREE digital obituary.
