Obituary Examples: 6 Short and Long Samples to Adapt

These six obituary examples are written for made-up people, so you can borrow their shape freely. Each shows one way to do it well, with a note on what makes it work. Swap in your own facts and, most of all, your own details.

1. A mother, warm and specific

Dorothy Mae Hensley, 85, of Bowling Green, died on November 8, 2026.

Dot grew up on a tobacco farm outside Bowling Green, the youngest of five. She walked two miles to a one-room school and always said it built character.

For 31 years she ran the cafeteria at Parker-Bennett Elementary. She knew every kid’s name, and she knew which ones needed an extra roll. She kept peppermints in a yellow Folgers can on top of the refrigerator, and every grandchild knew it.

She is survived by her children, Daniel Hensley (Karen) and Ruth Ellis (Tom); her grandchildren, Tasha, Miguel, Jacob and Emily; and her sister, June Pruitt. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Earl, and three brothers.

Why it works: two details only her family would know (the extra roll, the Folgers can) carry the whole thing. The facts are plain and complete.

2. A father, short and steady

Robert “Bob” Alvarez, 78, of Tucson, died at home on March 2, 2026, with his wife beside him.

Bob was a mail carrier for 34 years and could tell you who lived on every street on the west side. He coached Little League for two decades, fixed every neighbor’s lawn mower for free, and never once let anyone pay for coffee.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Elena; his sons, Marco (Lisa) and Daniel; and five grandchildren.

Why it works: a list of three concrete habits says more than a paragraph of adjectives. “Never once let anyone pay for coffee” is how people talked about him.

3. A grandmother with a long life

Mae Bell Johnson, 97, went home to be with the Lord on January 14, 2026.

Born in Greenwood, Mississippi, Mother Johnson moved to Chicago at 19 with one suitcase and a Bible. She worked forty years at the same hospital laundry and sang in the Greater Hope choir for sixty. Her sweet potato pies were a family holiday all by themselves.

She leaves to cherish her memory three daughters, eleven grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and church family.

Why it works: the language of the homegoing tradition (“went home to be with the Lord”, “leaves to cherish her memory”) fits the family and the church. Counting great-grandchildren instead of naming them keeps it readable.

4. A veteran

James Walter Price, 88, of Dayton, died on June 9, 2026.

Jim enlisted in the Army at 18 and served in Germany. He came home, married his high school sweetheart, Carol, and spent 36 years as a machinist. He flew the flag every morning and took it in every night, rain or shine.

He is survived by Carol, his wife of 64 years; his children, Susan Hale (Mark) and Thomas Price; and four grandchildren. Military honors will be given at the graveside.

Why it works: it names the branch and where he served without padding, then gives one daily habit that shows the same man at home.

5. A short newspaper notice

Linda Kay Moore, 71, of Fort Wayne, died November 3, 2026. A retired kindergarten teacher, she is survived by her husband, Gary; her daughters, Amy and Beth; and three grandchildren. Service Saturday, 10 am, at First Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Allen County Public Library.

Why it works: every word earns its place when the paper charges by the line. The full obituary can live in the program and online.

6. A celebration of life

Sam Okafor, 54, a man who never met a stranger, died on August 21, 2026.

Sam made the best jollof rice in three counties and would tell you so. He drove a city bus for 22 years, knew the regulars by name and kept a bag of dog treats under the seat for the ones who rode with their owners.

Instead of a funeral, the family invites everyone to a celebration of his life on September 6 at Riverside Park, from 2 to 6 pm. Bring a story. Wear something bright.

Why it works: the tone is light because Sam was, and the invitation tells people exactly what kind of gathering it is. See the celebration of life program guide.

What all six have in common

• The first sentence gives the name, age, place and date.
• At least one detail could only be about this person.
• The survivors are complete and in the usual order.
• No cliche is doing the work of a real detail.

To write yours, follow the steps in how to write an obituary, or answer six questions in the free obituary writer. When it is done, the funeral program template puts it in the program with the photos.