After losing a loved one, you may have to take care of memorial details while dealing with your own grief. In addition to making funeral arrangements, you’ll also need to prepare an obituary to provide information about the person’s passing and honor their memory. If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few tips for writing a meaningful obituary

Helpful Guidelines for Writing an Obituary

1. Understand the Requirements

For an obituary that will appear in a newspaper or on a website, check the publication’s guidelines regarding obituary length, the costs involved, and whether there is an additional fee for including a photo. Certain pertinent information should always be included in an obituary, like the time and place of the deceased’s memorial service. 

2. Announce Your Loved One’s Passing

Begin the obituary with the full name of the deceased, their age at the time of death, and the date and place of their passing. You may wish to include additional basic information such as the name of the town where the person lived, or the cause of death, but some people choose not to share those details.

3. Offer Biographical Information

Next, discuss the person’s date and place of birth, the names of their parents, their educational background, and a brief work history. This section is also where you should include information about the person’s marriage and children. Mention the names of relatives who preceded the deceased in death, and list the closest surviving family members.

4. Include Personal Details

In this section, convey what was special about your loved one. Discuss their hobbies, interests, personality traits, and accomplishments. You may want to enlist the help of close friends and family members to ask them what they will remember and miss most about the deceased, and include some of their answers.

5. Provide Funeral Information

Conclude the obituary by letting people know the date, time, and location of the funeral or memorial service. Include the name of the funeral home that’s handling the funeral arrangements, and (if applicable) where the burial services will take place. If you prefer that mourners donate to a charitable cause or memorial fund instead of sending flowers, mention that information here.

Stine-Kilburn Funeral Home of Lebanon has served Warren County, OH, for over 30 years. If you need to make funeral arrangements or plan cremation services for a loved one, or if you’re interested in funeral pre-planning for the future, their team is here to provide the support you need. Call (513) 932-1239 to speak to one of their caring representatives or visit their website to learn more about their services.