Writing an obituary gives you the chance to tell your loved one’s life story and describe what made them special. An obituary also serves as a notification to the community that your family member has passed on. If you’ve been tasked with writing one, here are a few important elements to include.

What to Include in an Obituary

1. Funeral & Memorial Information

Don’t forget to mention information about the funeral, memorial, or reception. If the memorial service is open to the public, include the location, date, and time. Otherwise, you may leave a request from the family, like asking for donations to your lost loved one’s favorite charity.

2. Summary of Their Life

Summing up the life of a loved one in a few sentences can be difficult, but it’s your chance to tell others about them. In addition to basic biographical information, like date and place of birth, you can also list their most important achievements or the characteristics they were most known for. For instance, write about their contributions to local nonprofits, or their quirky sense of humor.

3. List of Family Members

Obituaries typically include a list of surviving family members. Traditionally, they’re mentioned in the following order: the decedent’s spouse; children’s names, listed from oldest to younger; the spouses of their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and parents. If your loved one had especially strong bonds with friends or pets, you may want to include their names as well.

For five generations, the caring staff of TP White & Sons Funeral Home has helped Cincinnati, OH, families through some of life’s most difficult experiences. They understand how hard the loss of a loved one can be, and are committed to helping you plan a memorial and write an obituary that honors their life. Visit the website for more on their memorial services or call (513) 231-7150 to speak with a compassionate funeral director today.