Losing a loved one is a challenging prospect to face. In addition to handling grief, you’ll also need to take care of practical matters, including funeral arrangements and notifying others of their passing. To make the process easier, here are a few guidelines to follow when writing an obituary.

Do:

Provide pertinent details.

The first paragraph, like a news article, should provide relevant facts. This includes your loved one’s full name, the date of their death, and cause of death if you wish to add it. You might say “of natural causes” or “unexpectedly” if you don’t want to provide details. Also, consider including their age and the location at which they passed, e.g., “at home.”

Make it personal.

Think of your loved one’s obituary as a brief memorial tribute. Provide basic information, but also infuse it with a personal touch. Share a few unique details about your loved one and their life, such as their hobbies or pastimes, a sports team or musical artist they were passionate about, or a favorite quote or saying. You might also mention their career or community contributions.

Don’t:

Forget to mention survivors.

Mention those your loved one has left behind, including their spouse or partner and close family members. You can even mention their beloved pets. If they were heavily involved in a community group or at work, consider including this information, as well. For instance, if your loved one was a Girl Scout troop leader, you might say, “The girls of Troop 365 will also miss them.”

Skip the time and place of service.

At the end of the obituary, provide the date, time, and location of the memorial or funeral service. List the name of the funeral home handling the arrangements, in case guests have questions or want to send flowers in advance. If you want to keep the event private, you can instead say something like, “A service for family and friends will be held at a later date.”

If you need help writing an obituary or arranging a funeral or memorial service for your loved one, turn to E.C. Nurre Funeral Home in Clermont County, OH. Serving Amelia, Bethel, and New Richmond, their compassionate funeral directors provide a range of services to help guide you through a loss. Having been a part of the community for over 140 years, the family-owned funeral home is your source for professional care in your family’s time of need. Call (513) 753-6130 to speak with a helpful staff member, or visit the website to see current obituary listings and learn more about their facilities.