How to Write an Obituary (With Examples)

Writing a meaningful obituary involves gathering essential facts such as full names and service dates, composing a chronological narrative of the person’s life, listing surviving family members, and providing clear instructions for funeral or memorial services. It serves as both a public notification and a lasting tribute to a loved one.

What is the primary purpose of an obituary?

An obituary is more than a simple announcement of death; it is a historical record and a final tribute that captures the essence of a person’s journey. For families in Provo, Orem, and throughout Utah County, the obituary serves as a vital communication tool. It informs the community of the passing, shares the details of upcoming services, and offers a glimpse into the personality, achievements, and impact of the deceased. When you sit down to write, remember that this text will likely be archived in family records and local newspapers for generations to come.

In many ways, the process of writing can be a therapeutic step in the grieving process. It allows family members to reflect on the milestones and small moments that defined their loved one. Whether you are working with our team at Berg Mortuary to finalize obituaries or writing one from scratch at home, the goal is to balance factual accuracy with heartfelt storytelling. This document bridge’s the gap between the private loss of a family and the public recognition of a life well-lived.

Essential information to include in every obituary

While every life is unique, the structure of an obituary remains fairly consistent to ensure readers receive the necessary information. Starting with the basics provides a solid foundation before you move into more creative storytelling. If you are unsure where to start, looking at our When a Death Occurs guide can help you organize the immediate logistical details that often need to be included in the opening paragraph.

• Full legal name and common nickname.
• Dates and locations of birth and death.
• Cause of death (optional and based on family preference).
• Names of parents and close family members.
• Details of the funeral or memorial service.

How do you start writing the biographical section?

Once the foundational facts are established, the biographical section is where the obituary truly comes to life. This is your opportunity to highlight what made the individual special. Instead of merely listing jobs or schools, try to weave in the person’s passions. Did they spend every Saturday hiking the trails above Provo? Were they a dedicated volunteer at local Orem schools? These details help readers connect with the memory of the person. You might consider including information about:

1. Educational background and significant degrees or honors.
2. Career highlights and professional contributions.
3. Military service and specific branch details (refer to Veterans Benefits for proper terminology).
4. Hobbies, volunteer work, and community involvement.
5. Character traits or famous family stories that encapsulate their spirit.

Focusing on the person's legacy helps create a narrative that resonates. For many in our Utah County community, family and faith play significant roles, and these are often central themes in local tributes. Whether they were a pillar of their church or a quiet servant in their neighborhood, these contributions deserve a place in their story. If the deceased had a long history in the area, mentioning their connection to local landmarks or institutions can add a beautiful layer of local context.

Listing survivors and those who preceded them in death

The section listing family members can sometimes be the most complex to navigate, especially with large or blended families. Traditionally, you start with the closest survivors—spouses, children, and siblings—and move outward to grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It is equally important to acknowledge those who passed away before them. This creates a complete picture of the family tree and honors the relationships that shaped the individual's life.

When listing survivors, it is common practice to include the names of spouses in parentheses. For example: "He is survived by his wife, Jane Smith; their children, Michael (Sarah) Smith and Emily (David) Jones." Accuracy is paramount here, as this section is often referenced by future genealogists. If you need assistance in formatting these details for our local publications, our Contact Us page is always available for families seeking professional guidance from our experienced staff.

Professional obituary examples for Utah families

Seeing examples can provide the inspiration needed to find your own voice. Below are two different styles often used by families in the Provo and Springville areas. Each serves a different purpose, from a concise newspaper notice to a more detailed digital tribute. We often see these styles on our blog and in our local archives.

Example 1: The Traditional/Short Format

"Mary Alice Thompson, age 82, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, in her home in Orem, Utah. Born on June 10, 1943, in Provo to William and Margaret Brown, Mary was a lifelong resident of Utah County. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert Thompson, in 1962. Mary was a dedicated elementary school teacher for 30 years and a beloved grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Robert; three children; and ten grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 10, at the Orem Stake Center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to local literacy programs."

Example 2: The Detailed Biographical Format

"Samuel 'Sam' Vance, a man known for his booming laugh and unmatched skill in the woodshop, passed away at 75 on April 1, 2026. A proud graduate of BYU and a veteran of the U.S. Army, Sam spent his career as a civil engineer, helping design many of the roads we drive on in Provo today. Beyond his work, Sam was an avid fisherman and a volunteer at the local veterans' hall. His greatest joy was teaching his grandchildren how to build birdhouses. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Linda. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work and kindness. A viewing will be held at Berg Mortuary on Thursday evening. Please visit our service offerings page for full schedule details."

Where should you publish an obituary in Utah County?

Deciding where to publish is as important as the writing itself. Most families choose a combination of local newspapers and online platforms. In our region, the Daily Herald serves Provo, Orem, and the surrounding cities, while the Salt Lake Tribune or Deseret News provide broader state-wide coverage. Additionally, every obituary we handle at Berg Mortuary is hosted on our website, allowing friends and family from afar to read the tribute, send flowers , or plant memorial trees in honor of the deceased.

Digital obituaries offer the advantage of space; you are not restricted by the per-line cost of a print newspaper. This allows for more photos and longer anecdotes. However, the print version remains a cherished tradition for many, providing a physical clipping for scrapbooks. We recommend checking with your chosen publication for their specific deadlines and formatting requirements, as these can vary significantly between local papers.

Frequently asked questions about obituary writing

Writing an obituary is a significant task during a period of heavy emotion. Here are some of the most common questions we hear from families in our community. If you have more specific questions, our frequent questions page covers many aspects of the funeral process, or you can speak directly with our our staff .

How much does it cost to publish an obituary? Costs vary widely based on the newspaper's circulation and the length of the text. Online-only versions are often included in your service package at the mortuary, while major newspapers charge by the inch or the word. We can provide a current price list for our internal services and help you estimate external publication costs.

Can I write my own obituary in advance? Yes, and many people find this to be a profound experience. Writing your own obituary ensures that the facts are correct and the tone reflects your personality. This is a common part of the plan ahead process, which relieves your family of the burden of making these decisions during a difficult time. You can learn more about the benefits of this on our why plan ahead? page.

What if I make a mistake in the published version? If a mistake is discovered in an online obituary, it can usually be corrected quickly. For print versions, newspapers may offer a correction in the next day's edition. Double-checking dates and the spelling of family names before submission is the best way to prevent this stress.

Closing thoughts and final takeaways

Writing an obituary is a final act of service for your loved one. By following a clear structure and focusing on the unique qualities of the individual, you create a tribute that honors their memory and informs your community. Whether you choose a short, traditional notice or a long, detailed narrative, the most important element is the sincerity and love behind the words.

• Gather all vital statistics and service details first to ensure accuracy.
• Focus on the personality and passions of the deceased in the biography.
• Double-check the spelling of all family members in the survivor list.
• Utilize both print and digital platforms to reach the widest audience.
• Seek professional help from Berg Mortuary if you feel overwhelmed by the process.

If you are currently navigating a loss or preparing for the future, know that you do not have to do it alone. From providing grief support to assisting with funeral program ideas , our team is here to support the families of Provo, Orem, and Springville with the same compassion we have offered for generations. Please reach out to us at any time for guidance on creating a meaningful farewell for your loved one.