12 Short Obituary Templates and Examples
Figuring out how to write an obituary can be difficult in and of itself – writing a short obituary can sometimes prove to be even harder! The good news is, it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of ways to make the format of a short obituary work for you. Whether you’re looking for templates or short obituary examples, this article can offer guidance and information on how to craft a short obituary.
What kind of information can I exclude if I want to write a short obituary?
If you want to write a short obituary, you can focus on key details and exclude some of the more elaborate personal information. Here’s what you can consider omitting:
- Detailed life history: Skip in-depth details about his childhood, education, or career trajectory. Instead, provide a brief summary of his main accomplishments or passions.
- Extended family: You don’t need to list every family member. Mention only the immediate family, like a spouse, children, and possibly grandchildren, or simply say "survived by loving family."
- Personal anecdotes: While personal stories add warmth, they can also lengthen the obituary. Focus on one defining characteristic or value instead.
- Cause of death: It’s common to omit the cause of death for brevity, unless you wish to include it.
- Funeral or memorial details: Instead of full service details, you can simply mention that a private service will be held or that arrangements are being made. You can also simply link to a memorial website for easily accessible information.
- Memorial donation requests: If you’re short on space, you can leave out donation information and share it separately with friends and family. This is another space where you can link directly to a memorial fundraiser you’ve set up online.
Short obituary examples and templates
Following you can find multiple short obituary templates and examples, including a sample short obituary for a mother, a religious short obituary, and an obituary for someone where no events are planned. No matter which template you choose, these short obituary examples can act as a guide for you to understand how to structure the obituary and what kind of information to include (or exclude).
Short obituary template and example
A short obituary should include the important dates in someone’s life and basic information on the predeceased and surviving members of the family. Short obituaries are generally done when someone wishes to add to the public record that someone has passed away, or are written for those that decided to keep private lives.

Short obituary template
Use this template((full_name)), ((age)), of [place of residence], passed away on ((date_of_death)) from [cause of death].
((first_name)) was predeceased by [list of family members who have passed away]. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) is survived by [list of family members who are still alive].
Short obituary example
Janet Rose McArthur, 82, of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away on December 18th from emphysema.
Janet was predeceased by her parents, James and Martha, and her husband, Tom. She is survived by her two sisters, Amanda and Shirley, her four children, Craig, Jill, Maggie and Benjamin, and her nine grandchildren.
Short obituary template and example 2
Short obituary template 2
Use this template((full_name)), ((age)), of ((death_location)), left us, surrounded by ((possessive_pronoun)) friends and family on ((date_of_death)) from [cause of death].
((first_name)) was predeceased by [list of family members who have passed away]. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) is survived by [list of family members who are still alive]. Services will be held at [time] on [date] at [location].
Short obituary example 2
Philippa Hopkins, 79, of Plymouth, Massachusetts, left us, surrounded by her friends and family on February 20th from natural causes.
Philippa was predeceased by her parents, Sharon and Giles, and her sister, Veronica. She is survived by her two brothers, Christopher and Alistair, her partner, Kaitlyn, and her beloved parrots, Rufus and Riddle. Services will be held at 11AM on February 23rd at Middlegrounds Baptist.
Short obituary template and example 3
Short obituary template 3
Use this templateWe regret to announce the passing of ((full_name)), ((age)), of ((death_location)), on ((date_of_death)). ((first_name)) passed away, surrounded by ((possessive_pronoun)) loved ones, from [cause of death].
((first_name)) was predeceased by [list of family members who have passed away]. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) is survived by [list of family members who are still alive]. ((first_name)) wanted private services with only ((possessive_pronoun)) family in attendance.
Short obituary example 3
We regret to announce the passing of Kymani Vargas, 47, of Louisville, on April 3rd. Kymani passed away, surrounded by his loved ones, after a motorcycle accident.
Kymani is predeceased by his mother, Marissa. He is survived by his wife, Mia, and his daughter, Maiyani. Kymani wanted private services with only his family in attendance.
Short obituary template and example 4
Short obituary template 4
Use this templateThis ((date_of_death)), ((first_name)) took ((possessive_pronoun)) final breath, surrounded by ((possessive_pronoun)) loved ones. The sun rose and the world welcomed ((first_name)) on ((date_of_birth)), a day the world became a little brighter. ((first_name)) lived a full and warm life, filled with [joy/happiness/kindness]. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.
((first_name)) is survived by [list of family members who are still alive]. No services will be held.
Short obituary example 4
This January 12th, Maria Guevarra took her final breath, surrounded by her loved ones. The sun rose and the world welcomed Maria on October 16th, 1972, a day the world became a little brighter. Maria lived a full and warm life, filled with joy. She will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.
Maria is survived by her brother, Kendrick, and her father, Manuel. No services will be held.
Short obituary template and example 5
Short obituary template 5
Use this templateWe regretfully announce the passing of ((full_name)), who passed away surrounded by ((possessive_pronoun)) loved ones on ((date_of_death)). ((first_name)) had a difficult battle with [illness] and is finally at rest. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) will be forever loved and forever remembered. No services will take place, as ((first_name)) requested, but we do appreciate your love and support during this difficult time.
Short obituary example 5
We regretfully announce the passing of Ananya Dillon, who passed away surrounded by her loved ones on April 6th, 2020. Ananya had a difficult battle with breast cancer and is finally at rest. She will be forever loved and forever remembered. No services will take place, as Ananya requested, but we do appreciate your love and support during this difficult time.
Short obituary template and example 6
Short obituary template 6
Use this template((full_name)), age [number], of [location] passed away [date]. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) is survived by [list surviving family members]. ((first_name)) grew up in [location] where ((subject_pronoun)) attended [high school]. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) lived in [location] where ((subject_pronoun)) enjoyed [hobbies/pastimes]. ((first_name)) may have had some struggles, but lived life to the fullest. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) loved [hobbies/passions/interests]. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) would do anything [for his/her friends, family, community] and loved [subject]. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) made everyone who knew ((object_pronoun)) laugh, cry, and clap at all the stories ((subject_pronoun)) shared. Our family is grateful to know that ((first_name)) is finally at peace. Services will be held at [location] on [date] at [time], all are welcome.
Short obituary example 6
Jerry Kalis, age 42, of Springfield, MO passed away October 18. he is survived by a loving wife, three children, and countless friends.
Jerry grew up in Half Moon Bay, CA where he attended Bay High. He lived in Monterey where he enjoyed surfing, skating, and wakeboarding. Jerry may have had some struggles, but lived life to the fullest. He loved philosophy, mathematics, painting, art, and so much more. He would do anything for his friends and loved fiercely. he made everyone who knew him laugh, cry, and clap at all the stories he shared.
Our family is grateful to know that Jerry is finally at peace.
Services will be held at Gray Peaks Park on May 3rd at 9:45AM, all are welcome.
Short obituary template and example 7
Short obituary template 7
Use this template((full_name)), of [location], died unexpectedly on [date] from [cause of death]. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) was only [age] years old. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by ((possessive_pronoun)) sudden death. ((first_name)) was born on [date], attended [name of schools], and lived in [location] for most of ((possessive_pronoun)) life.
((first_name)) was a small business owner -- ((subject_pronoun)) owned and operated [name of business] in [location] for over [number] years. [Business name] was ((first_name))'s pride, joy, and life's work. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) poured ((possessive_pronoun)) heart and soul into the business which showed to all customers and patrons of [business name].
In addition to owning [business name], ((first_name)) was a member of [organization or club]. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) spent much of ((possessive_pronoun)) free time [describe hobbies]. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) was also [description].
Everyone who knew ((first_name)) knew how [description] ((subject_pronoun)) was. ((first_name)) was full of [light/joy/positivity/etc.], traits that were obvious to all after even just a single meeting with ((first_name)) . ((first_name)) is survived by [list of surviving family members] and an abundance of friends. We will miss ((object_pronoun)) more than words can say.
Services are still being planned at this time.
Contributions in memory of ((first_name)) can be made to [organization].
Short obituary example 7
Nelsey Jimenez, of San Andreas, died unexpectedly on January 8th from an accident. She was only 25 years old. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by her sudden death. Nelsey was born on April 3rd, attended Greenview High , and lived in San Andreas for most of her life.
Nelsey was a small business owner -- she owned and operated a small bakery, Nelsey's Notions, in San Andreas for over 2 years. Nelsey's Notions was Nelsey's pride, joy, and life's work. she poured her heart and soul into the business which showed to all customers and patrons of her bakery.
In addition to owning her own business, Nelsey was a member of San Andreas City Council. She spent much of her free time rollerblading, surfing, and of course, baking. She was also an avid reader. Everyone who knew Nelsey knew how special she was. Nelsey was full of light and joy, traits that were obvious to all after even just a single meeting with Nelsey.
Nelsey is survived by her husband, Michael, her parents, Kelsey and Shawndra, and an abundance of friends. We will miss her more than words can say.
Services are still being planned at this time.
Contributions in memory of Nelsey can be made to San Andreas Humane.
Short obituary template and example - no events planned
Short obituary template - no events planned
Use this templateMy [father/mother/relation], ((first_name)), passed away on [date] after a brief illness. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) was [age].
((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) is survived by [list of surviving relatives]. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) was predeceased by [list of predeceased relatives]. There are no events planned, as ((subject_pronoun)) did not wish to have services.
You may make a donation to [cause] in ((possessive_pronoun)) honor as an alternative to flowers.
Short obituary example - no events planned
My father passed away on January 18th, 2020 after a brief illness. He was 65. He is survived by his brother, Ardeshir, his sister, Aria, and his father Jalal. He was predeceased by his mother, Wanessa. There are no events planned, as he did not wish to have services.
You may make a donation to ACLU in his honor as an alternative to flowers.
Short obituary template and example - event info coming
Short obituary template - event info coming
Use this templateOn [date], our [father/mother/relation], ((first_name)) passed away into God’s graces after a brief [illness/description of cause of death]. A warrior throughout life, ((subject_pronoun)) was [age] years old. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) is survived by many loving individuals, including [list of surviving relatives]. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) was predeceased by [list of predeceased relatives]. We are working on getting the [funeral/memorial/events] planned and will update our memorial website with that info as soon as we have it.
Short obituary example - event info coming
On April 3rd, our grandmother Zoe Truong, passed away into God’s graces after a brief illness. A warrior throughout life, she was 85 years old. She is survived by many loving individuals, including her sons, Victor, Michel, and Paul, her husband, Theodore, and her sister, Marianne. She was predeceased by her parents, Victor and Trudy Truong. We are working on getting the funeral planned and will update our memorial website with that info as soon as we have it.
Short obituary template and example - scattering of ashes
Short obituary template - scattering of ashes
Use this templateOur beloved [mother/father/relation] left this earth after a brief, but difficult battle with [illness]. A fighter until the end, ((subject_pronoun)) passed away on [date] at the age of [age]. ((first_name)) requested a cremation and that we scatter ((possessive_pronoun)) ashes in one of ((possessive_pronoun)) favorite spots, [location]. We will be holding this event on [date] at [time] and welcome all who would like to show up. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) would not approve of a full obituary being written, but we would like to state that they are survived by many, many loving friends and family.
Short obituary example - scattering of ashes
Our beloved father, Liam Gallagher, left this earth after a brief, but difficult battle with Parkinson’s. A fighter until the end, he passed away on April 11th at the age of 82. Liam requested a cremation and that we scatter his ashes in one of his favorite spots, Lake Cherry. We will be holding this event on April 14th at 11:30 AM and welcome all who would like to show up. He would not approve of a full obituary being written, but we would like to state that they are survived by many, many loving friends and family.
Short obituary template and example - scattering of ashes 2
Short obituary template - scattering of ashes 2
Use this template((full_name)), age [age], passed away after a long and well lived life. ((first_name)) enjoyed [hobbies] and was always the brightest smile in the room.
((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) is predeceased by [list of predeceased relatives] and survived by [surviving relatives]. We will be scattering ((first_name))’s ashes at [location], a spot that was meaningful to ((first_name)) for several reasons. Join us in remembering the life of [first name] on [date] at [time].
Short obituary example - scattering of ashes 2
Merida Breinhardt, age 56, passed away after a long and well lived life. Merida enjoyed [hobbies] and was always the brightest smile in the room.
She is predeceased by her adoptive mother, Sarah and survived by her adoptive sister Renee and her son Seamus. We will be scattering Merida’s ashes at Bear Wright Creek, a spot that was meaningful to Merida for several reasons. Join us in remembering the life of Merida on July 8th at noon.
Short obituary template and example - celebration of life
Short obituary template - celebration of life
Use this template((full_name)), ((age)), of ((death_location)) passed away peacefully on ((date_of_death)), surrounded by ((possessive_pronoun)) family and loved ones. ((first_name)) grew up in [location], a town they loved and never left. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) worked at [career/location] for [number] years and enjoyed [list of hobbies]. ((first_name)) will be dearly missed and always remembered.
((first_name)) was predeceased by [list of family members who have passed away]. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) is survived by [list of family members who are still alive]. ((first_name)) requested a celebration of life be held in ((possessive_pronoun)) honor as opposed to traditional funeral services. We request all of ((first_name))’s loved one to join us in celebrating their beautiful life at [location] on [date] at [time].
Short obituary example - celebration of life
Michelle Lulu Barnett, 38, of Visalia passed away peacefully on June 13th, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Michelle grew up in Visalia, a town they loved and never left. She worked at Joanne's for 12 years and enjoyed sewing, quilting, and scrapbooking. Michelle will be dearly missed and always remembered.
Michelle was predeceased by her father, Edward Barnett. She is survived by her husband, Mark, her daughter, Mya, and her son Kenneth. Michelle requested a celebration of life be held in her honor as opposed to traditional funeral services. We request all of Michelle’s loved one to join us in celebrating their beautiful life at Green Park Lake on June 18th at 11 AM.
How to write short funny obituaries
Writing a short, funny obituary can be a great way to honor someone who loved humor and brought joy to others. A lighthearted obituary can celebrate their unique personality and keep their memory alive in a way that feels authentic to who they were. Here are some tips and examples for crafting a short, funny obituary:
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Use their humor style: Think about how they made people laugh. Was it with witty one-liners, self-deprecating humor, or silly stories? Capture their style in the wording.
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Include memorable quirks or catchphrases: Did they have a favorite saying, funny habit, or quirky routine? Adding these can make the obituary feel more personal and true to their character.
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Keep it light but loving: Balance humor with warmth, so the tone remains respectful and loving.
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Be playfully honest: Mentioning funny “flaws” or exaggerated habits (like always telling tall tales or "rescuing" family pets) can add a humorous touch that readers will recognize.
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Add a fun sign-off: Wrap up with something that sounds like their voice, or a humorous way to "sign off" or say goodbye.
Here’s an example of a short and funny obituary:
"Bill “The Legend” Jenkins, 89, finally took his last fishing trip on October 3, 2024. Bill was famous for his fish stories and for convincing his grandkids that he’d wrestled a bear (or two) in his youth. Known for his love of ice cream, storytelling, and suspenders, he left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Bill is survived by his family, who will carry on his legacy of tall tales and big laughs. He’ll be missed—just not by the fish!"
If you’re looking for a place to share an obituary you’ve written, Ever Loved memorial websites are a great place to start. Memorial websites on Ever Loved come with the space to post an obituary, share event details, collect donations, collect photos, and so much more.