An obituary is an opportunity to announce the death of a loved one and to honor their life and accomplishments. However, in the days following a loved one's passing, many people find it difficult to organize their thoughts. As a result, writing an obit becomes a challenging task. To help you in this process, here are four essential elements you should include.

What to Include in an Obituary

1. Death Notice

A typical obituary opens with the name and age of the deceased and the location where they died. You can announce the passing with any words that feel appropriate. To help guide your phrasing, think about what your loved one would have wanted and their religious beliefs.

Some people prefer to keep it simple, with phrases like "died" or "passed away." Others prefer to use more religious statements, such as "went home to the Lord," or sentimental expressions like "left this world" or "was released from life."

2. A Brief Biography

Now it's time to give a succinct but informative profile of your loved one. Most people include the deceased's loved ones, place of birth, educational background, career, and significant accomplishments. 

You can present these details in chronological order or by importance in the overall life of the departed. Choose whichever makes the most sense and is easily readable.

3. Family Members

After the bio, most obits list the closest surviving loved ones. This can vary from one obituary to the next, as it largely depends on the size of the individual's family. Be as brief or comprehensive as you want to be, but include the surviving spouse, children, and grandchildren. Feel free to mention particularly close friends as well. Once this passage is complete, list close loved ones who predeceased the departed, like their parents and grandparents.

4. Funeral or Memorial Service Details

An obit also serves as a funeral invitation, ensuring others know about the passing and where and when they can pay their respects. Close out the piece with the service's date, time, and location. This is also the spot to make any special requests, like donations to a preferred charity instead of flowers.

Incorporating these components ensures you compose a fitting obituary for your loved one. For your funeral needs, trust the caring professionals at TP White & Sons Funeral Home in Cincinnati, OH. They have provided funeral planning and pre-planning, cremation, and burial services to area residents for over 150 years. Call (513) 231-7150 for a consultation, or visit them online to learn how they can help arrange a moving funeral for a lost loved one.