Simple & short
Use a free short obituary template with simple examples.
Read the template and examples ↗Preparing your resource…
A quiet space to begin on paper
Use these printable PDFs as a writing reference or worksheet while you gather memories and facts. Each download includes a bracketed obituary outline and fictional examples. The files are free, with no sign-up required.
These PDFs are printable reference documents, not interactive fillable forms. To type directly into a template, download the matching Word file or use the browser editor. You can then create a PDF of your personalized text.
Use a free short obituary template with simple examples.
Read the template and examples ↗A personal tribute for family and loved ones.
Read the template and examples ↗A personal tribute for family and loved ones.
Read the template and examples ↗A personal tribute for family and loved ones.
Read the template and examples ↗Create a celebration of life obituary with a free template.
Read the template and examples ↗Honor a veteran with a free military obituary template.
Read the template and examples ↗Write a secular remembrance with a free nonreligious obituary template.
Read the template and examples ↗A personal tribute for family and loved ones.
Read the template and examples ↗A personal tribute for family and loved ones.
Read the template and examples ↗A personal tribute for family and loved ones.
Read the template and examples ↗Print a PDF if you prefer to read an outline on paper and make notes before writing. Choose Word if you want to replace prompts and change the layout. Use the browser editor for a quick text draft without opening another application.
The downloadable PDF still contains prompts and fictional examples. Do not send it as a finished obituary. Create a personalized version and remove all sample material first.
The templates use US Letter pages. In your print dialog, check the paper size and preview before printing. If you use A4 or another paper size, use a suitable scaling option and make sure the text remains readable.
Keep an unmarked copy if several relatives will contribute notes. When you prepare the final obituary, combine agreed details into one version rather than submitting separate handwritten corrections.
In the browser editor, finish the draft and choose Print / save PDF. If your browser offers a PDF destination, use it to create a local file. The print view contains your draft, not the navigation or editing controls.
Alternatively, edit the Word download and export a PDF from your word processor. Review the resulting file on another device before sharing it, especially if you added photographs or changed the page size.
These PDFs contain selectable text. A formal PDF/UA accessibility certification has not been performed. The same template wording is available as readable HTML on each template page and in editable Word documents.
If a PDF is inconvenient for your screen reader or device, use the HTML text and browser editor instead. The content does not depend on an image of the page.
Original writing resources developed with AI assistance. Examples are fictional. Read our editorial policy.