Obituary Writing Checklist
Complete checklist to ensure you include all essential information in your obituary. Use this comprehensive guide to make sure you don't miss any important details while creating a meaningful tribute.
How to Use This Checklist
✅ Required Items
These are essential details that should be included in every obituary for completeness and clarity.
📝 Optional Items
These items add depth and personality but can be omitted based on space, privacy, or family preferences.
Basic Personal Information
Essential details that must be included in every obituary
Full legal name (including middle name and maiden name)REQUIRED
Age at time of deathREQUIRED
Date of birthREQUIRED
Date of deathREQUIRED
Place of residence at time of deathREQUIRED
Place of birth
Note: Helpful for readers who knew them from their hometown
Nickname or preferred name
Note: If they were commonly known by a different name
Family Information
Family members and relationships that shaped their life
Name of surviving spouseREQUIRED
Names of children (and their spouses)REQUIRED
Names of grandchildren
Note: Consider listing number if many
Names of parents
Note: Include if still living or recently deceased
Names of siblings
Names of those who predeceased them
Note: Usually close family members only
Marriage date and location
Note: Especially for long marriages
Life Story & Background
Education, career, and life achievements
Educational background and degrees
Career and professional achievements
Military service details
Note: Include branch, rank, years of service, and honors
Community involvement and volunteer work
Religious affiliation
Note: If it was important to them
Hobbies and personal interests
Special talents or skills
Awards and recognitions
Personal Character & Memories
What made them unique and special
Personality traits and characteristics
Favorite sayings or quotes
Special memories or anecdotes
Note: Keep appropriate for public reading
What they were passionate about
How they will be remembered
Impact they had on others
Service & Memorial Information
Details about funeral, memorial, or celebration of life services
Date of funeral or memorial serviceREQUIRED
Note: If services are planned
Time of serviceREQUIRED
Note: If services are planned
Location of service (name and address)REQUIRED
Note: If services are planned
Burial or cremation details
Note: Location of cemetery or where ashes will be placed
Visitation or viewing information
Reception details
Any special instructions for attendees
Note: Dress code, what to bring, etc.
Final Details & Requests
Special requests and practical information
Preferred flowers or 'in lieu of flowers' requests
Charity donation information
Note: Include organization name and address
Contact information for arrangements
Note: Funeral home or family contact
Special requests from the family
Guest book or memory sharing information
Any COVID-related service modifications
Important Notes & Tips
- Always double-check names, dates, and spellings with multiple family members
- Keep the obituary length appropriate for your intended publication
- Consider your audience - who will be reading this obituary?
- Maintain a respectful tone throughout, even if including humor
- Include contact information if readers need more details about services
- Review local newspaper requirements if submitting for publication
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to include service details or making them unclear
- Misspelling names of family members or places
- Including inappropriate personal details
- Making the obituary too long for newspaper publication limits
- Forgetting to mention important achievements or relationships
- Not proofreading before submitting or publishing
Length Guidelines by Publication Type
Print Newspapers
- Death notice: 50-100 words
- Basic obituary: 200-400 words
- Extended obituary: 400-800 words
- Consider cost per word
Online Platforms
- More flexibility in length
- Can include more personal details
- Often allow photos and videos
- May have commenting features
Ready to Write Your Obituary?
Now that you have the complete checklist, use our free obituary template generator to create a comprehensive tribute that includes all the essential information.