Free Obituary Templates (With Instructions)

Writing an obituary may be difficult when you are grieving. While you can find instructions on how to write an obituary, these simple sample obituary templates are free and make the job even easier.

How to Use These Sample Obituary Templates

These free obituary templates are designed to allow you to fill in the blanks to create simple obituaries. You may want to use sample wording to help create a more complex obituary. You will also need to gather information about the deceased. If you have any trouble downloading the PDFs, read our how to guide.

Fill-in-the-Blank Obituary Templates

The templates are designed to be easy to use, with a simple, fill-in-the-blank structure. You can save the templates and work on them later. To use the templates:

1. Click on the thumbnail image for the template you wish to use.
2. When the template opens on your computer, select File-Save As.
3. Give the obituary a name, and save it in a convenient location on your computer.
4. Click your cursor in the first space, and type the person's name.
5. Click your cursor on each space that requires completing and add pertinent information. Be sure to delete parentheses and add appropriate punctuation if necessary.
6. When you are done, click File-Save to save the document.
7. Proofread your saved document to ensure the accuracy of spelling and punctuation.
8. Make any necessary corrections, and click File-Save again if you made additional changes.

Free Printable Obituary Templates

There are four templates. Two are quite simple, including the most basic information about the deceased. Two also allow you the freedom to list accomplishments, and interests or hobbies.

Basic Fill in the Blank Obituary Template

This template is short and can be used if memorial donations are being accepted. The template requires the following information:

• Name of the deceased
• Age
• Date of death
• Location of death (city, state)
• Names of surviving immediate family (such as her husband, John and two daughters, Carol and Elizabeth)
• Location of funeral services
• Date and time of funeral services
• Organization to receive memorial donations

Basic Family Obituary Template

You can use this short obituary template if you'd like to include a little more family information. This template can also be used if no memorial donations are being requested. You will need the following information:

Name of the deceased

• Age
• Date of death
• Location of death (city, state)
• Names of surviving immediate family (such as her husband, John and two daughters, Carol and Elizabeth)
• Names of deceased immediate family
• Location of funeral services
• Date and time of funeral services

Married Biography Obit Template

This template offers a longer form obituary. It can be used for someone who was married and had children. It also lists some biographical information about the deceased. To complete this template, you will need the following information:

• Age
• Date of death
• Location of death (city, state)
• Place of birth
• Date of birth
• Parents' names
• Names of high school and/or colleges
• Spouse's names
• Names of children
• Job
• Hobbies
• Organization memberships
• Immediate family still living
• Immediate family who have passed
• Location of funeral services
• Date and time of funeral services
• Organization for memorial donations

Biography Obituary Template Design

This template doesn't specify marriage or children. Rather, it allows you to list family members that survive the deceased and those who predeceased him or her. You will need the same information as listed in the Married Biography Template.

How to Make Changes to the Sample Obituary Templates

If these templates don't meet your exact needs, you can complete them and then add or remove information as desired by using your computer's word processing or text editing program or Google docs. To make changes to the obituaries:

1. Complete the obituary as described above.
2. Open your word processing or text editing program and create a new document.
3. Click on the completed PDF template.
4. Highlight the text on the completed obituary and copy text (typically you can do this by right clicking on the highlighted text and selecting "Copy," or pressing CTRL+C on your keyboard.)
5. Place your cursor on the new blank text editing document and past the text (usually you can do this with either right click+paste or pressing CTRL+V on your keyboard.)
6. Make the changes in the document as required.
7. Save your new obituary.

Obituary Generator for a Written Memorial

Obituaries serve as a written memorial or notice of death. These templates can help make your task easier during this very busy time.