Guide to Writing a Proper Obituary

What an Obituary Should Include

Full name of deceased
Time, place and circumstance of death
Biographical information about the life of the deceased
Survivors: parents, spouse and children, adopted, half and step children, sibling and half and step siblings, grandparents and in some cases close friends
Funeral service, wake, viewing, repast and other service information
Instructions on how to honor the deceased (flowers or charity donation information)
Someone in charge of funeral arrangements should be listed with a phone number
Sometimes a photograph of the deceased

Remember an obituary details the life of the deceased and can be written as a story. Obituary length is sometimes dictated by space available, so be sure to check with the newspaper to determine how much room there is. Most newspapers charge by the word, so keep that in mind.
Obituaries Include biographical information about the deceased including their interests, education, things they accomplished, hobbies and other significant events in their life.
Surviving relatives should be listed by name and other relatives can be listed by number in terms of their relationship. For example, the deceased had 7 nieces and 9 grandchildren.
List the services that will be held, and all details of these services. Be sure to mention where to send flowers, or if you choose to have donations made instead list where to make the donation.