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.

The Man Who Threw His Own Funeral

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

'My name is Sonia Todd...'

When 38-year-old mother Sonia Todd was dying of cancer, she penned her own poignant obituary. Four years after her death, her words still resonate.

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.

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.

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.

XOXO, Signed with Love

While more and more people are penning their own obituaries these days, it’s difficult to imagine doing it on, well, deadline.

A Letter of Departure

This recent self-written obituary reads more like a thank-you note than a final farewell.

Jack Holden’s Last Laugh

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

True Confessions

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

Her Last Words

We're often told, "If you want something done right, do it yourself." Kaye Henderson followed that advice… she wrote her own obituary, and she did it right.

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.