If you are new to loss, you might be surprised to learn that writing an obituary is often a task left to the surviving family members. Because many of you might be new to this type of writing, we would like to offer cremation obituary examples. But first, here’s a bit of information about obituary writing.
Obituaries Written by Surviving Family Members
Obituaries serve three primary purposes:
- to serve as a death notice
- to record details about the deceased’s life
- to notify interested parties about funeral arrangements
Here are a few of the details most obituaries include:
- Deceased’s full name and age (including maiden name)
- Date and location of the death
- Parents of the deceased
- Schools attended
- Military service
- Occupation
- Surviving relatives (husband, wife, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great grandchildren)
- Funeral information and details regarding memorial donations
- A few words about the person’s life
Typically, obituaries are published on the funeral home or cremation provider’s website. However, families sometimes choose to pay to have their loved one’s obituary published in a newspaper. Most newspapers charge per column inch. For that reason, you might have a shorter version of the obituary for the newspaper obituaries column and a longer one for online publication.
Cremation Obituary Examples
When faced with this type of task, sometimes it’s helpful to look at a sample obituary. Here are some examples of cremation obituaries to peruse before you start writing.
Example of an obituary where the public is invited to the funeral or memorial service
Jane Elizabeth Smith Doe, 83, passed away at her home surrounded by her four children on Tuesday, March 24, 20XX.
Jane was born on April 1, 19xx. She was the oldest of five children born to Morris and Mary Smith. As a child, Jane loved spending time with the horses on the family farm and participating in 4-H.
Jane graduated from Porterville High School. There, she met the love of her life, Joseph Doe. She married Joseph the year after graduating high school and had a wonderful marriage that lasted 51 years.
Jane worked at First State Bank until she retired in 19XX. She was also an active member of St. John Lutheran in Porterville.
Jane is survived by her son, Brian (Denise) Doe, and her daughter Marie (Gary) Russell. Five grandchildren, extended family members, and many friends mourn her loss.
The community is welcome to the funeral service, held at St. John Lutheran in Porterville on Monday, March 30, at 10:30 a.m., followed by the scattering of her ashes at the family farm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Porterville Hospice.
Example of an obituary with there will be a private service
George Elliot Doe of Shawnee, OK, died Tuesday, May 4, 20xx. He was 60 years old.
George was born October 12, 19XX, to Robert and Jane Rome. It was clear at an early age that he had a musical gift. He learned how to play the piano and guitar early in his life.
After graduating from Overland Park High School, George attended Oklahoma State University and earned a degree in Music Education. He spent his career teaching grade school music, giving lessons to countless young musicians, and writing his own compositions.
George’s remains will be scattered along his favorite walking trail in a private event. A public concert, where his previous students will perform, will be held at a later date.
Key Takeaways About Writing an Obituary
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Surviving family members often write the obituaries for their deceased loved ones.
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The method of disposition (cremation or burial) matters little when writing an obituary.
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Sometimes it is helpful to read cremation obituary examples before writing one on your own.
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Smart Cremation offers simple, affordable cremation services.
Smart Cremation Offers Direct Cremation Services
There’s a lot to do when someone dies. Besides learning how to write an obituary, you may also need to notify the deceased’s financial institutions, prepare and probate the estate, and go through their possessions. However, not all of your tasks need to be stressful. Following the death of your loved one, notify Smart Cremation.
Smart Cremation is a direct cremation provider serving California, Arizona, Washington, Texas, Oregon, Florida, and Nevada. We will remove your loved one’s body from the place of death, fill out the necessary forms, and return your loved one’s cremated remains to the family. This will leave you free to complete tasks such as writing your loved one’s obituary and closing their accounts.
Smart Cremation will publish your loved one’s obituary on our website so you can easily share it on social media and email. We offer this service free to families we serve.
Guests to the obituary website can learn the details of the service – should you choose to share them. They can also buy trees in honor of the deceased and sign the online guestbook.
Contact Smart Cremation any time, day or night, for simple, affordable cremation services.
