Writing an obituary can feel daunting, especially when you’re grieving and trying to make a dozen other decisions at the same time. The good news: you do not need to be a “writer” to create something beautiful. A meaningful obituary is simply a clear, sincere snapshot of a life that mattered, shared in a way others can recognize, remember, and respond to.

What Makes a Great Obituary

The most memorable obituaries:

• Honor a person’s life, not just inform people of a passing.
• Mix the essentials (who, when, where) with human details (what they loved, how they lived).
• Read like a real person wrote them. They’re warm, truthful, and reflective of who your loved one truly was.

Step 1: Start With a Clear Death Announcement

Begin with a short, straightforward statement that answers the basics:

• Full name (include nickname if commonly used)
• Age
• City/town of residence
• Date of passing
• Location of passing (if your family wants to include it)

You can choose wording that fits your family’s tone and beliefs. Some families prefer direct language (“died”), while others prefer softer phrasing (“passed away peacefully”). Either is appropriate, clarity and respect matter most.

Example (simple and clear):

“John Michael ‘Mike’ Reynolds, 72, of Fort Thomas, Kentucky, passed away on February 10, 2026.”

Step 2: Provide a Brief Life Story

This is where the obituary becomes more than an announcement. You’re offering context, what shaped them, what mattered to them, and what they’ll be remembered for.

Consider including:

• Birthplace and early life (and parents’ names if you’d like)
• Education or training
• Career highlights and proud accomplishments
• Military service or community involvement
• Faith traditions (if meaningful)
• Hobbies, passions, and the things that brought them joy
• A small detail that captures their personality (a habit, saying, or tradition)

If you’re unsure what to write, ask:

• “What did they love doing on an ordinary day?”
• “What did people count on them for?”
• “What would friends smile about if they read it?”

Step 3: Share Listing of Family Member

Family listings can be simple, but they matter to people reading.

You may want to include:

• Close survivors (spouse/partner, children, grandchildren, siblings).
• Key relationships (with spouses’ names, if desired).
• Loved ones who passed earlier (optional).
• People who felt like family: lifelong friends, caregivers, neighbors, stepfamily.
• Even pets, when that bond was a big part of their daily life.

A helpful tip: write down names first, then verify spelling with a family member before publishing.

Step 4: Add Funeral or Memorial Service Details

Make service information easy to scan. People often come back to the obituary to confirm logistics, so clarity here is very considerate.

Include:

• Date and time of visitation, service, and/or burial
• Full location name and address (church, funeral home, cemetery, event space)
• Whether the service is public or private
• Any special invitations (sharing stories, bringing photos, wearing a certain color, etc.)

If services are still being arranged, it’s okay to say so and note that details will follow.

Step 5: Include “In Lieu of Flowers” or Donation Preferences

If your loved one cared deeply about a cause, this section can be a meaningful extension of their legacy.

To keep it simple and actionable:

• Name the organization(s) clearly
• Add a website link or instructions for giving
• Use a straightforward phrase such as “In lieu of flowers…”

Example:

“In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to [Organization Name] at [website].”

Step 6: Choose a Photo That Feels Like Them

A photo helps readers instantly recognize the person and connect emotionally.

Good photo choices are:

• Clear and well-lit (face visible).
• A natural, familiar expression (often a smile).
• Recent or from an earlier era, either is completely appropriate.
• Reflective of their spirit (a favorite outfit, setting, or hobby).

If you’re using an online memorial page, consider adding additional photos later. These might include family gatherings, meaningful milestones, or candid moments.

Step 7: Proofread, Confirm Details, and Share

Before publishing:

• Double-check spelling of names (especially grandchildren and in-laws).
• Confirm dates, times, and locations.
• Review for missing relationships or accidental omissions.
• Ask one or two trusted family members to read it. Fresh eyes catch small errors.

Then decide where to publish:

• Online memorial page (easy for sharing and messages)
• Newspaper (print tradition and local reach)
• Social media sharing (if your family is comfortable)

A Gentle Reminder as You Finish

A thoughtful obituary preserves more than information; it preserves memories and a legacy. There’s no single “perfect” format. The best obituary is the one that feels sincere, readable, and true. Taking it one step at a time can make the process feel more manageable. It can even feel like a meaningful part of saying goodbye.

Need Help Writing an Obituary?

If you’re feeling stuck, you’re not alone. Many families want help finding the right words, organizing details, or making sure nothing important is missed. The team at Fares J. Radel Funeral Homes can help you shape an obituary that is clear, warm, and faithful to your loved one’s story, at a pace that feels supportive, not rushed. Contact us – we’d be honored to assist.