An obituary does far more than just alert readers to a funeral and share information about burial or cremation arrangements. It is an opportunity to honor the life of the deceased and to highlight their personality and accomplishments. Below, discover a few tips for writing a meaningful obituary for your loved one.

How to Write an Obituary

1. Include All Important Details

An obituary should inform people of your loved one's death and provide important information about their upcoming funeral or visitation. You'll want to first include your loved one's name, age, and death date. Then, add the specific details about their service, including the planned date, time, and location so that fellow mourners can attend or send sympathy gifts to the correct funeral home. Many people also mention the names of surviving family members, such as children, siblings, or grandchildren.

2. Tell a Story

An obituary doesn't need to be a dry biography. Instead of approaching it as a rote series of events, write out the text as if it were a story with a defined beginning, middle, and end. You can make a list beforehand of the major life events you want to incorporate and then use these events as plot points in the story. Connect them to a larger picture of your loved one's life and what they stood for to engage the reader and show your loved one's journey and contributions over the course of their life.

3. Personalize It

Let your loved one's personality shine through in their obituary. While certain details, like basic biographical data and funeral information, should be included, the rest of the obituary is flexible, so feel free to use language and include facts that better highlight your loved one as the unique and important person they were. Focus on their personality traits, passions, and hobbies—those qualities that drove, defined, or characterized them in life. Even if the reader didn't know the deceased, they should have an idea of who they were just by reading the obituary.

If you need help writing an obituary for your loved one, reach out to Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home. Their compassionate team will guide you through the writing process to help you craft a meaningful obituary. Since 1889, they have been serving the Ranson, Charles Town, Martinsburg, and Inwood, WV, areas. They offer funeral and memorial services, burials, and cremations and are dedicated to assisting families after a loss. Call (304) 725-7068 or visit them online to schedule a consultation.