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Free obituary templates

Choose from 9 fill-in-the-blank templates, or answer a few guided questions and we will write the obituary with you. Free, no account needed.

  • Free to use
  • No account required
  • Nothing is published

Which obituary template fits best?

Preview any template or a real-world example, copy the text, or start writing from the one that fits.

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.

Template view

Eleanor Ruth Callahan, age 84, of Portsmouth, Ohio, passed away on March 14, 2026. She was born on June 2, 1941, in Dayton, Ohio, to Harold and Ruth Bennett.

Eleanor will be remembered for her patience, her dry humor, and the way she made a place at the table for anyone who arrived. She is survived by her daughters, Karen and Susan, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-two years, Thomas.

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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.

Template view

Full name passed away on date of death 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.

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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.

Template view

Full name, age, passed away on date of death 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 marriage date, and together they family or life detail. Name was active in church, organizations, military service, or community groups and enjoyed hobbies.

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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.

Template view

In loving memory of full name, who passed away on date of death. 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.

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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.

Template view

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of full name, who passed away on date of death. 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.

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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.

Template view

With deep love, we announce the passing of full name, a devoted father, grandfather/partner/friend, who passed away on date of death. 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.

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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.

Template view

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of full name, a beloved mother, grandmother/partner/sister/friend, who died on date of death. 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.

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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.

Template view

Full name, rank/branch if desired, passed away on date of death 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.

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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.

Template view

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of full name on date of death. 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.

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Turn the obituary into memorial stationery

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

Obituary template FAQ

Can I use these obituary templates for free?
Yes. All nine templates are free to read and copy, and the obituary writer is free to start. No account is needed and nothing you write is published.
How long should an obituary be?
A short notice runs 100 to 200 words. A fuller life story obituary usually runs 300 to 700 words, depending on where it will be published.
Do I have to mention the cause of death?
No. You can state it, use gentle wording, or leave it out. A phrase such as “passed away unexpectedly” is enough if that feels right.
Which obituary template should I choose?
Choose short for a brief notice, traditional for a newspaper structure, life story for a fuller tribute, or one of the relationship templates for a father, a mother, a veteran, or a sudden loss.