Once you make arrangements for a loved one’s memorial service, write an obituary. This published piece lets people know about their life and the details of the service. Luckily, such an announcement is easy to write because it follows a regular format. Here’s what you should include.

The Main Components of an Obituary

1. Announcement of Death

An obituary should open by announcing that your loved one has passed away. This generally includes their name, age, place of residence, and time and place of death. You can condense this part into one or two sentences.

2. Biographical Sketch

This is the part of the obituary where you can get creative and show who your loved one was. List facts like their date of birth, parents’ names, marriage date, and occupation. Also, let people know what your loved one was like—include details about their hobbies and personal characteristics. If you’re paying by the line and want to keep this section brief, you can usually write a longer biography on the funeral home’s website or say some words at the memorial service.

3. Family Members

Include your relative’s surviving family members in the obituary. Ensure you don’t leave anyone out—list closest relatives first, such as their spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, and siblings. You generally don’t have to include cousins, nieces, or nephews by name. If there are too many, just include the number or say something like “many grandchildren.”

4. Service Information

If services exist, include the information for the memorial, visitation, and interment. Mention all essential details like time, place, and full date. People who cared for your loved one should be able to figure out where to go to pay their respects.

Brater-Winter Funeral Home in Cincinnati, OH, will plan and host a beautiful and respectful memorial service for your loved one. Their staff provides caring and thoughtful help throughout the process. They offer a tribute section on their website where you can write more about your loved one if an obituary is too short. Visit their website to learn more, or call (513) 941-1940 to speak with the funeral director.