How to write a standard newspaper obituary
First paragraph: Full name of person who died, interesting biographical
information/accomplishment, died/has died of cause of death on Day in Location. He/She
was age.
(Note: At most newspapers, the deceased person is referred to as Mr./Ms./Mrs. on second
reference.)
Example:
Jane Doe, who raised prize-winning Shetland ponies on her Texas ranch, died of cancer on
Sunday in Porter. She was 89.
Next paragraphs: If cause of death was unusual, include more information about that in
second paragraph. If not, go into more biographical detail. List honors, awards, military
service. If the person is prominent, include quotes from people who knew them.
Example:
Ms. Doe was born in El Campo, Texas, where her passion for horses began after a trip to a
nearby ranch. After graduating from high school, she earned a bachelor’s degree at the
University of Texas, then spent several years touring the country on the rodeo circuit.
Her skill as a rider quickly spread around the circuit, where she became known as Cowboy Jane
and amassed dozens of national trophies.
After an accident in 1968 left her disabled, Ms. Doe retired to her farm in Porter, where she
concentrated on raising Shetland ponies. Her ponies were in great demand and were perennial
winners of the National Pony Breeders Medal, according to her daughter, Amy Rice.
“My mother’s ponies were considered the cream of the crop,” Rice said. “People would pay top
dollar just to own one.”
Last paragraph: List the immediate survivors (usually spouse, children, siblings and
number of grandchildren), including their relationship to the deceased and where they live.
If the obit is for a local newspaper, include the name of the funeral home and time/location
of funeral arrangements.
Example:
In addition to Rice, Ms. Doe is survived by her son, Jacob Doe, of Houston, six grandchildren
and one great-grandchild.