Simple Obituary Examples
Simple obituaries focus on the basics—no fancy language, no long stories, just the key details that matter. These easy-to-use examples are perfect for anyone who wants a straightforward, heartfelt tribute to their loved one.
General Simple Obituary (Any Loved One)
[Full Name]
[Birth Date] – [Passing Date]
[City, State]
[First Name] [Last Name] passed away peacefully on [Passing Date] at the age of [Age] in [City, State]. They were loved by their [spouse/children/grandchildren/siblings] and will be deeply missed.
A small gathering to remember [First Name] will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to [Charity Name] in [First Name]’s honor.
Simple Obituary for Father
John Doe
January 1, 1950 – December 31, 2023
Springfield, IL
John Doe passed away on December 31, 2023, at the age of 73. He was a loving husband to Mary, father to Jane and Michael, and grandfather to three grandchildren.
John worked as a mechanic for 40 years and loved fishing with his family. A private funeral will be held with immediate family only. Donations to the local food bank are appreciated.
Simple Obituary for Mother
Jane Doe
March 15, 1955 – November 10, 2023
Chicago, IL
Jane Doe passed away on November 10, 2023, at the age of 68. She was a devoted wife to John, mother to Sarah and David, and grandmother to four grandchildren.
Jane was a homemaker who loved gardening and baking. A memorial service will be held on November 17 at 2 PM at Chicago Community Church. No flowers please—donations to the Alzheimer’s Association are welcome.
Simple Obituary for Grandmother/Grandfather
Margaret "Nana" Smith
July 20, 1930 – February 5, 2024
Dallas, TX
Margaret Smith (Nana) passed away on February 5, 2024, at the age of 93. She was a beloved grandmother to 8 grandchildren and great-grandmother to 12.
Nana loved cooking for her family and telling stories of her childhood. A celebration of life will be held on February 12 at 1 PM at her home. Donations to the local senior center are appreciated.
Simple Obituary for Brother/Sister
Michael "Mike" Johnson
June 10, 1980 – April 15, 2024
Houston, TX
Michael Johnson passed away on April 15, 2024, at the age of 43. He was a loving brother to Sarah and Tom, uncle to two nieces and one nephew.
Mike loved playing guitar and hiking. A small memorial hike will be held on April 22 at 10 AM at Houston State Park. Donations to the local animal shelter are welcome.
Ultra-Simple Obituary (No Service Details)
[First Name] [Last Name]
[Birth Year] – [Passing Year]
[City, State]
[First Name] [Last Name] passed away on [Date] at the age of [Age]. They are survived by [immediate family members] and will be remembered for [1 key trait/hobby].
The family requests privacy at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations to [Charity] are appreciated.
How to Write a Simple Obituary in 5 Easy Steps
- Start with basic info: Name, birth date, passing date, age, and city of residence.
- List immediate family: Spouse, children, parents (if living), and siblings (keep it brief).
- Add 1-2 key details: A short note about their career, favorite hobby, or a defining trait (e.g., "loved gardening" or "devoted teacher").
- Include service info (optional): Date/time/location or "private family service" if no public gathering.
- Add charity info (optional): Replace flowers with donations to a cause they cared about (keep the address/URL brief).
Tip: Keep sentences short and avoid complex language. A simple obituary doesn’t need to tell their whole life story—just the parts that matter most.
Generate a Simple Custom Obituary