Guide to Writing an Obituary

An obituary is a published notice of death, typically seen in a newspaper, that includes a short biography of the life of someone who recently died.

This Man's Obituary Raises a Lot of Surprising Questions

How should those who knew Rick Stein remember him?

The Man Who Threw His Own Funeral

First, he published a "nobituary" while he was still around to see it.

The Story Behind the Year's Funniest Obituary

When the recently went viral, we wanted to learn more about the story behind the words. We talked to Ziegler's family members and found out how they worked together to create the perfect tribute to their father.

Kevin McGroarty Goes Out on a Laugh

When Kevin McGroarty moved into section 7N at Mount Olivet Cemetery, his obituary asked friends to please make note of his new address.

What's Behind the Surge in Political Obits?

Earlier this month, The Washington Post published an article titled, "Disdain for Trump and Clinton is so strong, even the dead are campaigning." The article opened with the story of Mary Anne Noland, a 68-year-old Richmond native who had recently died – but not before making arrangements for a final, posthumous political statement in her obituary.

Getting the Last Word on Politics (in Your Obituary)

Voters cherish the right to voice approval of (or displeasure at) at elected officials' behavior. Sometimes, personal politics even pop up in obituaries. Below are some of the funniest times when people used obituaries as a last chance to make their political views heard.

The Seven Most Touching Obituaries of 2015

Honoring seven souls who left their loved ones with a smile.

Killed by an Uppercut from Batman

An obituary made national news thanks to its fantastical claim about the cause of death of 31-year-old Stephen Merrill.

Aaron Purmort's Secret Identity

Today, a hero will be interred in Minneapolis. Father, husband and life of the party, Aaron Joseph Purmort was many things to many people. And if his obituary is to be believed, he was also superhero.

An Obituary's Inside Joke

Why would a loving daughter begin her mother's obituary with "Ding dong the witch is dead?"

Fan's Obit Rocks Cleveland

For years, brothers and Browns fans Bill and Scott Entsminger joked about the zinger they would put in their obituaries.

Jack Holden’s Last Laugh

Writing your own obituary is about the only way you will get the last say.

Obits Highlight Presidential Picks

A recent trend in the obituary pages has prompted us to create our very own, extremely unscientific, presidential poll.

True Confessions

Val Patterson’s self-written obituary includes a paragraph of shocking (and, in some cases, shockingly funny) confessions.

Don't Hold Back (She Never Did)

Kat Carr was a "crazy woman" – but don't take our word for it. Her obituary says so.

One Stubborn Elephant

Michael Blanchard "wanted it known that he died as a result of being stubborn, refusing to follow doctors' orders and raising hell for more than six decades..."

House For Sale!

“Roy died. House for sale! I have always wanted to say that in my obituary!” That’s how Roy Edward Oaklund, 94, began his own obituary in the Idaho Press Tribune.

A Do-It-Yourself Obituary

Ken Akers wrote his own obituary and gave it to a close friend for safekeeping before he kicked the bucket.

An Expert Quitter

Ellen McGarr excelled at quitting. Not quilting . Quitting.

An Honest Obituary

A good obituary should contain the deceased’s quirks and foibles as well as his or her accomplishments.

Going Out In Style

As the obituary for Debby Lynn Underwood Gross says, "If you don't share her appreciation of laughter at the expense of etiquette and decorum, read no further."