Free Sample Funeral Program Template

A complete sample, page by page

Below is the sample program that loads when you open our maker. It's written for a fictional woman, Margaret Anne Collins, but every section is real wording that families commonly use. Open the maker and you'll see it laid out in full – then simply replace each part with your own details.

Page 1 – the cover

"Celebrating the Life of" · Margaret Anne Collins · March 4, 1942 — October 28, 2026 · Funeral Service · Saturday, November 7, 2026 · 11:00 AM · Grace Community Church, 214 Elm Street, Springfield.

A portrait photo sits in the center of the cover. Choose a photo where the person looks like themselves – many families pick a relaxed, smiling picture over a formal one.

Page 2 – her life

"Margaret Anne Collins, 84, of Springfield, passed away peacefully at home on October 28, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born on March 4, 1942, in Dayton, Ohio, she was the eldest of four children.

Margaret taught third grade for 35 years and never stopped being a teacher – to her children, her grandchildren and anyone who sat at her kitchen table. She loved her rose garden, Sunday crosswords and a strong cup of tea."

The page closes with a "survived by" line naming her husband, children, grandchildren and sister.

Page 3 – order of service

Prelude · Welcome & Opening Prayer (Rev. Daniel Hughes) · Hymn: Amazing Grace · Scripture Reading: Psalm 23 · Eulogy (Thomas Collins, son) · Reflections from family and friends · Hymn: How Great Thou Art · Committal & Benediction · Recessional: What a Wonderful World.

Page 4 – back cover

A poem ("Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep"), the names of six pallbearers and the honorary pallbearers, the interment location, a note inviting guests to a reception, and a short acknowledgement: "The family is deeply grateful for your prayers, cards, flowers and every act of kindness during this difficult time. Your love has carried us." It's signed "The Collins Family."

Why start from a sample?

A blank page is hard at the best of times, and grief makes it harder. A sample gives you structure and a tone to follow. You'll quickly see which parts apply to your service and which you can leave out. There is no wrong way to make a program – a short, simple one is every bit as meaningful as an elaborate one.

What's free and what isn't

You can edit this sample, try every theme and preview the whole program without paying anything – you can even download a watermarked preview PDF to share with family. When it's ready, the clean, print-ready version is $4.99. We think that's fair: it keeps the site running without ads or upsells during a difficult week.

Make it yours

A few personal touches go a long way: a nickname in quotation marks under the name, a favorite saying on the back, the title of a song they always sang. If you're unsure what to write in the life story, our free obituary writer asks a few gentle questions and drafts it for you. For more wording ideas, see our obituary examples and our guide to funeral program wording.