Obituary Checklist: What to Include for Adults and Children

Introduction: Navigating the Obituary Process with Compassion and Care

Losing a loved one can be one of life’s most profound challenges. As you find yourself tasked with writing an obituary, you may feel a mix of emotions—grief, uncertainty, and even pressure to honor your loved one’s memory in just the right way. At DisciplePress, we understand that this process can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this detailed obituary checklist, designed to guide you with empathy and practical support as you compose a meaningful tribute for an adult or a child.

An obituary is more than a notice of someone’s passing—it is a heartfelt reflection of their life, their relationships, and the legacy they leave behind. Whether you are planning a traditional funeral service with a bi-fold program, a celebration of life with a custom booklet, or a simple memorial card, a thoughtfully written obituary is at the heart of every remembrance. Families, pastors, and funeral directors alike turn to this essential step as they prepare funeral programs, memorial bookmarks, and keepsakes that will be cherished for years to come.

This article will walk you through each section of an effective obituary, explaining exactly what to include for both adults and children. We’ll provide practical tips, example sentences, and answer common questions to ensure you don’t leave out anything important. You’ll also find recommendations for using DisciplePress’s Free Obituary Writing Assistant, which can simplify the writing process during this emotional time.

We invite you to lean on our experience and compassionate guidance. By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive checklist and the confidence to create an obituary that truly honors your loved one’s unique story. Together, let’s take each step gently, making this difficult task a little lighter and a lot more meaningful.

Essential Personal Details: The Foundation of Every Obituary

Every meaningful obituary begins with the essential facts about the person’s life. Gathering and verifying these details ensures the obituary is accurate and respectful—an important first step whether you’re planning for an adult or a child. Start with the full legal name, including any maiden name or nicknames commonly used, followed by their age, date and place of birth, and the location and date of their passing.

We’re committed to supporting you through this difficult time with meaningful memorial resources. We offer Memorial Bookmarks, Funeral Programs and Prayer Cards to help you create meaningful tributes.

For example, an opening line for an adult might read: “Patricia Ann (Smith) Johnson, age 68, of Asheville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2024.” For a child: “Ethan Michael Lee, beloved son and brother, was born on February 2, 2016, and entered eternal rest on June 14, 2024.” Including these specifics helps friends, extended family, and community members immediately recognize your loved one.

When preparing funeral programs—such as bi-fold or tri-fold formats—these details are often featured prominently on the cover or at the top of the obituary section. Consistency is key; double-check spellings, dates, and locations to avoid any inadvertent errors that might cause distress later. If you are working with DisciplePress’s custom design services, providing clear, accurate information will help ensure your memorial prints are just as you envision.

Additional personal details, such as the names of parents (for children) or a spouse’s name (for adults), can be included here as well. If your loved one had a preferred title or honorific, such as “Dr.” or “Pastor,” include it to reflect their identity fully. These foundational elements create a respectful starting point for the rest of the tribute.

Family and Relationships: Honoring Connections That Matter

Relationships are at the heart of every life. In your obituary checklist, be sure to acknowledge immediate and extended family members who shaped your loved one’s journey. Begin by listing surviving relatives—such as spouses, children, parents, siblings, and grandchildren—followed by those who have preceded them in death. For children, include siblings, grandparents, and sometimes close friends or caretakers who played significant roles.

This section can be written simply or with more detail, depending on your preference and the available space. For example: “She is survived by her husband, Mark; her three children, Laura, Chris, and Anna; and five grandchildren.” For a child: “He will be deeply missed by his parents, Sarah and Daniel; his big sister, Mia; and his loving grandparents, Carol and Robert.”

When preparing memorial cards or prayer cards, space may be limited, so prioritize the most immediate relationships. In longer formats—such as 8-page or 12-page funeral programs—there is room to include special friends, caretakers, or even cherished pets. Consider mentioning blended families, step-relatives, and chosen family members, reflecting the fullness of your loved one’s support network.

Tips for this section include: double-checking names and spellings, using inclusive language (“and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends”), and consulting with family members if you are unsure about whom to include. If you’re using DisciplePress’s Free Obituary Writing Assistant, you can input family information step-by-step to help organize your thoughts and ensure no one is overlooked.

Life Story and Accomplishments: Capturing Their Unique Journey

A well-written obituary does more than announce a passing—it celebrates a life lived. This section is your opportunity to share your loved one’s story, highlighting their personality, passions, and achievements. For adults, consider including educational history, career milestones, hobbies, volunteer work, and any community or church involvement. For children, focus on their favorite activities, school experiences, or the joy they brought to those around them.

Creating a meaningful tribute for your loved one is an important part of the healing process. We offer Prayer Cards, Memorial Cards and Obituary Templates to help you create meaningful tributes.

Example sentences might include: “John was known for his warm smile and generous heart, dedicating over 30 years as a teacher and mentor in the local school district.” For a child: “Lila loved painting rainbows, snuggling with her cat, and making everyone laugh with her silly jokes.” These personal touches can be woven into celebration of life programs or memorial bookmarks, creating a keepsake that truly reflects the individual.

When writing this section, be specific. Mention awards, clubs, or organizations—“She was an active member of the Rotary Club and led the church choir for many years.” For children, highlight the uniqueness of their spirit, favorite stories, or special moments shared with family and friends. Remember, it’s not about listing every detail but rather choosing those that best capture their essence.

If you’re unsure where to begin, talk with relatives and friends to gather anecdotes or memories. DisciplePress’s custom design services can help you incorporate these stories into funeral programs, memorial cards, or even a multi-page booklet program, ensuring your loved one’s journey is beautifully remembered in both words and design.

Faith, Values, and Special Messages: Adding Meaningful Touches

For many families, faith and personal values are central to the way they remember a loved one. In this section of your obituary checklist, consider including a favorite Bible verse, spiritual message, or meaningful quote that reflects the person’s beliefs or guiding principles. For adults, you might write, “Her unwavering faith in Christ was a source of strength to all who knew her.” For children, a comforting message such as, “He was a beacon of light, teaching us all the meaning of unconditional love,” can offer solace to grieving hearts.

Including a brief prayer or reference to their church home is common, especially for those who were active in their faith communities. For example: “A lifelong member of Grace Baptist Church, Mark found joy in serving others through music and ministry.” Memorial cards, prayer cards, and angel-themed programs are perfect for including these spiritual elements, allowing guests to take a piece of comfort with them after the service.

If your loved one was not religious, consider a favorite poem or quote about life, love, or family. For children, a line from a cherished book or a gentle phrase like, “Forever in our hearts,” can be just as meaningful. The DisciplePress Bible Verses Collection and Funeral Poems Collection offer many options, or you may choose to write your own personal message.

Tips for this section include: selecting words that are authentic to your loved one’s life, keeping messages brief if space is limited, and consulting with your pastor or spiritual advisor if you’re unsure what to include. These meaningful touches can be highlighted in any format—from folded memorial cards to 16-page or 20-page programs—making each remembrance uniquely personal.

Service Information and Memorial Details: Guiding Guests with Care

Practical information about memorial services is a crucial part of every obituary. Clearly list the time, date, and location of the funeral, memorial, or celebration of life gathering. Include the name of the officiant, if known, and any special instructions—such as requests for attire, memorial donations, or preferred flowers. For virtual services, provide login details or a link, ensuring all guests can participate, even from afar.

An example for an adult: “A funeral service will be held at St. Mary’s Church, 2:00 PM on July 12, with Rev. Thomas officiating. Friends may call at the family home the evening prior.” For a child: “A celebration of life will take place at the Riverside Park Pavilion, Saturday, June 18, at 10:30 AM. All are welcome to share memories.” This information is essential for inclusion in funeral programs, memorial posters, and share a memory cards.

Tips include: double-checking all times and addresses, considering parking or accessibility needs, and providing a contact number or website for questions. If you have special requests—such as donations to a favorite charity in lieu of flowers—mention them here: “In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Children’s Hospital Foundation.”

With DisciplePress, you can ensure your service information is beautifully presented in every format, from tri-fold programs to large memorial cards. For last-minute changes or urgent needs, inquire about our rush orders and same-day printing to ensure timely delivery for your event, giving you peace of mind during a stressful time.

Photos and Keepsakes: Preserving Memories for the Future

Including photographs in your obituary and memorial materials brings cherished memories to life. Choose one or two favorite images—perhaps a formal portrait and a candid moment—that capture your loved one’s spirit. High-resolution photos are best, especially for printed items like funeral programs, bookmarks, and memorial cards. For children, consider a playful snapshot or a family photo that reflects their joyful presence.

Photos can be incorporated into a range of DisciplePress products, such as memorial bookmarks, funeral guest books, and even custom memorial candles. For multi-page or booklet programs, you may wish to add a collage or timeline of images that tell the story of your loved one’s life. When selecting photos, look for ones that show your loved one engaged in favorite activities or surrounded by family and friends.

In addition to photos, consider other keepsake options—such as memorial magnets, ornaments, or even a memorial slideshow for the service. These tangible reminders can be treasured by family members and friends long after the day of remembrance. If you’re unsure how to format your images or need ideas, DisciplePress’s design gallery and custom design services can help you create a beautiful and lasting tribute.

Practical tips: scan old photographs at high resolution, avoid using images with poor lighting or blurriness, and ask family members to contribute their favorites. Be mindful of cultural sensitivities around images, and always seek permission before including photos of others, especially children. These keepsakes serve as a bridge between past and present, offering comfort and connection for years to come.

Final Touches and Review: Ensuring Accuracy and Sensitivity

Before finalizing your obituary, take time to review each section carefully. Look for errors in spelling, dates, and names, and read the text aloud to ensure it flows smoothly and respectfully. Ask another family member or close friend to review the draft—they may catch details you’ve missed or offer insights that make the tribute even more meaningful. This step is especially important when preparing materials for printing, such as bi-fold programs or memorial cards.

Consider the tone and length of your obituary. If you are working within space constraints—such as a newspaper announcement or a single-page funeral program—prioritize the most essential information and personal touches. For longer formats, you can add more stories, quotes, and photographs. DisciplePress offers obituary templates and custom design services to help you tailor your tribute to the format you choose.

Be sensitive to family dynamics, cultural traditions, and the wishes of your loved one. If there are difficult relationships or complex circumstances, you may wish to use general language (“survived by loving family and friends”) or consult with your pastor or funeral director for guidance. Remember, the obituary is a public document—consider privacy for minor children and sensitive information.

Finally, use tools that make the process easier. DisciplePress’s Free Obituary Writing Assistant offers step-by-step prompts, helping you organize thoughts and ensure nothing important is missed. Once you feel confident, submit your text for printing, taking advantage of our turnaround time and rush orders when needed. This careful review ensures your loved one’s memory is honored with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Conclusion: Finding Comfort and Confidence in the Obituary Process

Writing an obituary is a deeply personal and sometimes daunting task, but it’s also a powerful way to honor a loved one’s life and legacy. By following this comprehensive obituary checklist, you can ensure that every important detail is thoughtfully included—providing comfort to family, friends, and your wider community.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Lean on the support of family, trusted friends, and compassionate professionals as you prepare funeral programs, memorial bookmarks, or celebration of life programs. DisciplePress offers a wide range of products—from bi-fold and tri-fold programs to prayer cards and custom design services—designed to help you create a tribute as unique as your loved one.

Take advantage of helpful resources, such as our Free Obituary Writing Assistant, which can guide you step-by-step through the process and ease the burden during this emotional time. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need same-day printing or have special requests; our team is here to help with care and understanding.

As you move forward, may the memories you share, the stories you tell, and the keepsakes you create bring you comfort and peace. At DisciplePress, we are honored to walk alongside you—helping you preserve the legacy of those you love and ensuring their stories live on for generations to come. Learn more about DisciplePress and our commitment to serving families. Browse our design gallery for inspiration. For personalized assistance, please contact us.