Is the obituary writer free?

Yes. Writing, editing and copying your obituary is free. A typeset printable PDF is optional at $2.99.

Does it invent details?

No. The draft uses only what you enter, arranged into natural paragraphs. Leave out anything you don't want included.

Can I use it in a funeral program?

Yes. Open the funeral program maker and your obituary will be available in the Life story step.

Free obituary writer

Answer a few gentle questions – skip any you like – and we'll write a complete first draft. Everything stays editable. Need inspiration? See our obituary examples or how to write an obituary.

Tone

Full name

Name they went by (optional)

Pronoun

Age

Hometown / city

Date of passing

How they passed (optional)

Date of birth

Place of birth

Parents (optional)

Sample obituary – a fictional example

This shows what a finished warm & personal draft looks like. As soon as you start answering on the left, it is replaced by your own draft, written only from what you enter.

Margaret Anne Collins, 84, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on October 28, 2026. She was born on March 4, 1942 in Dayton, Ohio to Walter and Ruth Hayes.

Peggy graduated from Dayton High School and Ohio State University. She spent her working years as a third-grade teacher for 35 years, and the people she worked alongside remember her as dependable, fair and generous with her time.

The love of her life was Robert Collins, and together they built 61 years of marriage – a partnership grounded in laughter, patience and everyday devotion. She was a member of Grace Community Church. Peggy gave generously to the community through the library board and twenty years of Meals on Wheels.

She found joy in her rose garden, Sunday crosswords and baking for the neighbors, and loved nothing more than sharing those things with the people she cared about. Those who knew her will remember a kindness that never asked for anything in return, a sense of humor that could lighten any room and a generous heart and an open door. She will be remembered for her quick laugh and the way she made everyone feel welcome.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Paul. She leaves behind her husband Robert; her children Thomas (Linda) and Susan; her sister Joan and five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, who will carry her love forward.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 7, at Grace Community Church, 214 Elm Street. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association. Peggy will be missed beyond words, and loved forever.

Sample: 281 words · Most newspaper obituaries are 150–400 words.

Questions

Is the obituary writer free?: Yes. Writing, editing and copying your obituary is free. A typeset printable PDF is optional at $2.99.
Does it invent details?: No. The draft uses only what you enter, arranged into natural paragraphs. Leave out anything you don't want included.
Can I use it in a funeral program?: Yes. Open the funeral program maker and your obituary will be available in the Life story step.