Simple and Short Obituary Templates and Examples

Author, Obituary Writer and Chief Product Officer at Legacy Antonio Esposito

4/18/2024

Edited and fact-checked by

Legacy Editorial Staff

In the difficult time following the loss of a loved one, sharing the news and funeral arrangements with those who mattered most becomes an important task. An obituary, even a short and simple one, serves a greater purpose than just a basic death announcement. It becomes a tribute to their life, a way to preserve their memory, and a place where loved ones can come together to share their stories.

While a more elaborate obituary can capture the essence of a life fully, a simple and short one can be just as meaningful. This article will guide you through the process of writing a short obituary, providing templates and examples to inspire you.

In the difficult time following the loss of a loved one, sharing the news and funeral arrangements with those who mattered most becomes an important task. An obituary, even a short and simple one, serves a greater purpose than just a basic death announcement. It becomes a tribute to their life, a way to preserve their memory, and a place where loved ones can come together to share their stories.

While a more elaborate obituary can capture the essence of a life fully, a simple and short one can be just as meaningful. This article will guide you through the process of writing a short obituary, providing templates and examples to inspire you.

In the difficult time following the loss of a loved one, sharing the news and funeral arrangements with those who mattered most becomes an important task. An obituary, even a short and simple one, serves a greater purpose than just a basic death announcement. It becomes a tribute to their life, a way to preserve their memory, and a place where loved ones can come together to share their stories.

While a more elaborate obituary can capture the essence of a life fully, a simple and short one can be just as meaningful. This article will guide you through the process of writing a short obituary, providing templates and examples to inspire you.

Ready to get started?

Ready to get started?

Ready to get started?

Our ObitWriter® can help you create a short and simple obituary in minutes.

Our ObitWriter® can help you create a short and simple obituary in minutes.

Our ObitWriter® can help you create a short and simple obituary in minutes.

Why Write a Short and Simple Obituary?

There are several reasons why a short obituary might be the best choice:

  • Time constraints: In the immediate aftermath of a loved one's passing, there may be limited time to gather information and write a lengthy piece.

  • Focus on essentials: Sometimes, a simple announcement with key details is all that's necessary to inform family and friends.

  • Privacy considerations: You may prefer a more private approach, with details shared directly with your loved ones.


What a Simple Short Obituary Should Include

Even in a short format, an obituary should convey essential information:

  • Full name of the deceased, including nicknames if appropriate.

  • Age at the time of passing.

  • Date of death.

  • City and state of residence.

  • Details about funeral or memorial service (optional).

  • List of surviving family members (optional).


Examples and Templates for a Short and Simple Obituary

Here are a few examples and templates to help you get started:

Basic announcement:

"[Full Name], age [age], of [City, State], passed away peacefully on [Date of Death]."

With funeral details:

"[Full Name], beloved [relationship], passed away on [Date of Death]. A memorial service will be held at [Location] on [Date] at [Time]. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to [Charity]."

Focusing on family:

"[Full Name], devoted spouse/parent/grandparent, passed away on [Date of Death]. He/She is survived by [List of surviving family members]."


Inspiring Content for a Simple Obituary

Beyond the basic information, even a short obituary can capture a glimpse of the person's life:

  • Mention a significant accomplishment or passion

    Example: "[Name] was a dedicated teacher who touched the lives of countless students."


  • Highlight a cherished quality

    Example: "[Name] was known for her infectious laugh and kind spirit."


  • Share a brief but meaningful detail

    Example: "[Name] loved spending time in his/her garden."


The Lasting Impact of an Online Obituary

While social media can be a way to quickly share the news of a loved one's passing, an online obituary provides a more permanent and meaningful space. Here's why:

  • A lasting tribute: An online obituary is a place where memories can be shared and preserved for years to come.

  • Online guestbook: Many online obituaries allow visitors to leave messages, stories, and even photos and videos, creating a place for people to keep coming back and memorializing your loved one.

  • Accessibility: An online obituary can be easily shared with anyone who may not be on social media, ensuring everyone has a chance to pay their respects.

An online obituary becomes a space for remembrance and connection. Unlike fleeting social media posts, it allows loved ones to return again and again to share their memories and celebrate the life of the person they cherished.

By following these tips, you can craft a simple and short obituary that honors your loved one's life and provides a lasting space for remembrance and connection.

Why Write a Short and Simple Obituary?

There are several reasons why a short obituary might be the best choice:

  • Time constraints: In the immediate aftermath of a loved one's passing, there may be limited time to gather information and write a lengthy piece.

  • Focus on essentials: Sometimes, a simple announcement with key details is all that's necessary to inform family and friends.

  • Privacy considerations: You may prefer a more private approach, with details shared directly with your loved ones.


What a Simple Short Obituary Should Include

Even in a short format, an obituary should convey essential information:

  • Full name of the deceased, including nicknames if appropriate.

  • Age at the time of passing.

  • Date of death.

  • City and state of residence.

  • Details about funeral or memorial service (optional).

  • List of surviving family members (optional).


Examples and Templates for a Short and Simple Obituary

Here are a few examples and templates to help you get started:

Basic announcement:

"[Full Name], age [age], of [City, State], passed away peacefully on [Date of Death]."

With funeral details:

"[Full Name], beloved [relationship], passed away on [Date of Death]. A memorial service will be held at [Location] on [Date] at [Time]. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to [Charity]."

Focusing on family:

"[Full Name], devoted spouse/parent/grandparent, passed away on [Date of Death]. He/She is survived by [List of surviving family members]."


Inspiring Content for a Simple Obituary

Beyond the basic information, even a short obituary can capture a glimpse of the person's life:

  • Mention a significant accomplishment or passion

    Example: "[Name] was a dedicated teacher who touched the lives of countless students."


  • Highlight a cherished quality

    Example: "[Name] was known for her infectious laugh and kind spirit."


  • Share a brief but meaningful detail

    Example: "[Name] loved spending time in his/her garden."


The Lasting Impact of an Online Obituary

While social media can be a way to quickly share the news of a loved one's passing, an online obituary provides a more permanent and meaningful space. Here's why:

  • A lasting tribute: An online obituary is a place where memories can be shared and preserved for years to come.

  • Online guestbook: Many online obituaries allow visitors to leave messages, stories, and even photos and videos, creating a place for people to keep coming back and memorializing your loved one.

  • Accessibility: An online obituary can be easily shared with anyone who may not be on social media, ensuring everyone has a chance to pay their respects.

An online obituary becomes a space for remembrance and connection. Unlike fleeting social media posts, it allows loved ones to return again and again to share their memories and celebrate the life of the person they cherished.

By following these tips, you can craft a simple and short obituary that honors your loved one's life and provides a lasting space for remembrance and connection.

Why Write a Short and Simple Obituary?

There are several reasons why a short obituary might be the best choice:

  • Time constraints: In the immediate aftermath of a loved one's passing, there may be limited time to gather information and write a lengthy piece.

  • Focus on essentials: Sometimes, a simple announcement with key details is all that's necessary to inform family and friends.

  • Privacy considerations: You may prefer a more private approach, with details shared directly with your loved ones.


What a Simple Short Obituary Should Include

Even in a short format, an obituary should convey essential information:

  • Full name of the deceased, including nicknames if appropriate.

  • Age at the time of passing.

  • Date of death.

  • City and state of residence.

  • Details about funeral or memorial service (optional).

  • List of surviving family members (optional).


Examples and Templates for a Short and Simple Obituary

Here are a few examples and templates to help you get started:

Basic announcement:

"[Full Name], age [age], of [City, State], passed away peacefully on [Date of Death]."

With funeral details:

"[Full Name], beloved [relationship], passed away on [Date of Death]. A memorial service will be held at [Location] on [Date] at [Time]. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to [Charity]."

Focusing on family:

"[Full Name], devoted spouse/parent/grandparent, passed away on [Date of Death]. He/She is survived by [List of surviving family members]."


Inspiring Content for a Simple Obituary

Beyond the basic information, even a short obituary can capture a glimpse of the person's life:

  • Mention a significant accomplishment or passion

    Example: "[Name] was a dedicated teacher who touched the lives of countless students."


  • Highlight a cherished quality

    Example: "[Name] was known for her infectious laugh and kind spirit."


  • Share a brief but meaningful detail

    Example: "[Name] loved spending time in his/her garden."


The Lasting Impact of an Online Obituary

While social media can be a way to quickly share the news of a loved one's passing, an online obituary provides a more permanent and meaningful space. Here's why:

  • A lasting tribute: An online obituary is a place where memories can be shared and preserved for years to come.

  • Online guestbook: Many online obituaries allow visitors to leave messages, stories, and even photos and videos, creating a place for people to keep coming back and memorializing your loved one.

  • Accessibility: An online obituary can be easily shared with anyone who may not be on social media, ensuring everyone has a chance to pay their respects.

An online obituary becomes a space for remembrance and connection. Unlike fleeting social media posts, it allows loved ones to return again and again to share their memories and celebrate the life of the person they cherished.

By following these tips, you can craft a simple and short obituary that honors your loved one's life and provides a lasting space for remembrance and connection.

"ObitWriter": The All-Purpose Interactive Obituary Writing Tool

If you want an even simpler way to create an obituary, it’s fast, easy, and free to use Legacy’s ObitWriter® tool. All you have to do is answer some basic questions about your loved one’s life, and in just a few minutes, ObitWriter will take your responses and turn them into a well-written draft of a thoughtful, respectful obituary.

Ready to get started?

Ready to get started?

Our ObitWriter® Template can help you create an obituary in minutes.

Our ObitWriter® Template can help you create an obituary in minutes.

Ready to get started?

Our ObitWriter® Template can help you create an obituary in minutes.

Ready to get started?

Our ObitWriter® can help you create a short and simple obituary in minutes.

Our ObitWriter® can help you create a short and simple obituary in minutes.