How to Write a Great Obituary

Drew • October 17, 2019

Following the passing of a loved one, family members can become overwhelmed with all the decisions that need to be made in the midst of their grief. One thing the family often feels overwhelmed with is the writing of the obituary. Don’t worry – the obituary will honor your loved one’s life simply by you writing it.

Because newspapers charge you by inch, word, or line (depending on the publication), make sure to write the obituary according to your budget.

If you’ve recently lost a loved one and have been assigned to write the obituary, we hope this checklist will help you in your efforts. We will walk you step-by-step on how to write a great obituary.

Announce the Death

Begin the obituary by announcing the death of your loved one. Here is some information you can include (in no particular order):

Full Name
Brief Description
Age
Day of Passing

You can generally fit all of this information into one or two sentences.

Example 1: John R. Doe, devoted husband to wife Jane, peacefully left this life surrounded by family on October 15, 2019, at the age of 92.

Example 2: On Thursday February 28th, 2019, Jane Doe returned home to her Father in Heaven and reunited with the love of her life John Doe whom she has missed daily for the past 10+ years.

Example 3: Jane Doe, 48, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Logan, Utah on July 12th, 2019 after a courageous 20-year battle with Type 1 diabetes.

Provide General Biographical Information

The next section of the obituary typically includes biographical information of your loved one. This section can include things like:

Birth Date
Upbringing
Education
Marriage Information
Accomplishments
Work History

Example: John was the oldest of the family of three born in Ogden, UT on June 39, 1935 to John Doe Sr. and Betty Smith. He graduated from Ogden High School in 1957 and attended college at Utah State University where his and Jane’s love story began.

He was known for his sweet spirit and his love and service to others. He was a caring father to his four children whom he had a special bond with. He had many talents. One of which was his ability to paint beautiful scenery of Utah landscapes. His artwork can be seen in many businesses throughout Cache Valley. John was an accomplished accountant at Company XYZ, where he started working upon graduation from USU and continued working there for over 30 years.

Capture the Spirit of Your Loved One

It’s important to capture and express the spirit of your loved one when writing their obituary. Put together a paragraph that describes not only what they did, but also what they were like. In order to do that, you can focus on things like:

Hobbies
Passions
Personal Characteristics

Example: Jane was also an excellent piano teacher giving private piano lessons for a period of 25 plus years. She delighted in showing off her student’s talents in the annual piano recitals she presented. She was always eager to share her musical talent with others and nothing made her smile bigger than watching her students perform.

Listing the Family Members

Most don’t have room to list every niece and cousin by name, especially for large families. However, it’s important to list those close family members who passed away before the loved one. It’s also important to list the close surviving family members such as parents, spouse, and children. It’s also okay to reference other relatives more generally.

Example: John is survived by his wife, Jane, three children and their spouses, Child 1 and Spouse 1, Child 2 and Spouse 2; Child 3 and Spouse 3, two sisters, Sister 1, Sister 2, 10 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Information

Provide the location, time, and date of the funeral or memorial services. Include information regarding flowers, donation, or condolences, also.

Example: In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to Cache Valley for Hope at www.cachevalleyforhope.org. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 12:00 pm at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center, Logan, UT. There will be a viewing held on Friday evening from 6-8 pm and on Saturday from 10:30 – 11:30 am. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery.

Review and Revise

Double check your work and have a family members look over the obituary to make sure all information is accurate and that there are no mistakes. It is easy to overlook things during a time of grief so a second set of eyes will be helpful. Once you feel the obituary is complete, you can send it off for publication.

Please visit our Obituaries page if you would like to reference other obituaries.

The post How to Write a Great Obituary appeared first on Blog | Allen-Hall Mortuary - Logan, UT.

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The Importance of Having a Memorial Site for Family to Visit

By Allen Mortuaries Admin • February 13, 2025

Memorial sites serve as more than just final resting places; they provide families with a tangible connection to their loved ones and play a crucial role in preserving family history. Whether it is a cemetery grave, a dedicated memorial plaque, or another type of remembrance site, having a physical location for family members to visit holds deep emotional, cultural, and historical significance. 1. A Place for Reflection and Healing One of the most profound benefits of a memorial site is its role in the grieving process. For many, visiting a loved one’s resting place provides comfort, allowing for private moments of reflection, remembrance, and healing. The ability to sit by a gravesite, leave flowers, or simply stand in quiet contemplation offers a tangible way to honor and maintain a connection with the deceased. 2. Strengthening Family Bonds and Traditions Memorial sites serve as gathering places where families can come together to remember their ancestors. Many families make it a tradition to visit gravesites on birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. These visits create opportunities for storytelling and sharing memories, fostering stronger family ties and keeping the legacy of the deceased alive for future generations. 3. Preserving Family History Gravestones and memorials often contain valuable genealogical information, including birth and death dates, names, and family connections. These details serve as critical records for those researching their ancestry. In a world where digital records can be lost or altered, physical memorials provide a lasting and reliable source of historical documentation. 4. Cultural and Religious Significance Across various cultures and religions, memorial sites are seen as sacred spaces that honor the deceased and reflect a family's heritage. In many traditions, visiting a loved one’s grave is a meaningful ritual that strengthens spiritual connections and maintains ancestral traditions. By preserving these sites, families ensure that cultural and religious practices continue to be observed and passed down through generations. 5. A Legacy for Future Generations Memorial sites serve as historical markers, giving future generations a place to learn about their roots. Children and grandchildren who visit these sites develop a sense of belonging and appreciation for their family’s past. This continuity strengthens identity and fosters a deeper understanding of one’s lineage. Conclusion Having a memorial site for loved ones is an invaluable tradition that provides comfort, strengthens family bonds, preserves history, and honors cultural heritage. These sites offer a sacred space for reflection and remembrance, ensuring that the stories and legacies of those who came before us are never forgotten. Whether through cemeteries, monuments, or dedicated memorials, maintaining a physical connection to our ancestors is a powerful way to keep their memory alive for generations to come.

How To Dedicate a Grave

By Allen Mortuaries Admin • March 3, 2024

Dedicating a grave is not an every day occurence. In fact, most people have never dedicated a grave or will only do it once or twice in their lifetime. This short post is to help you know how to dedicate a grave should you ever have to perform this ordinance. Authorization for performing this ordinance is granted by a priesthood leader possessing the appropriate keys or operating under the guidance of someone holding those keys. The individual dedicating a grave is required to hold the Melchizedek Priesthood and receive authorization from the overseeing priesthood officer conducting the service. The process involves: Addressing Heavenly Father. Affirming that the action is carried out under the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Dedication and consecration of the burial plot as the final resting place for the deceased. Offering a prayer requesting the sanctification and protection of the location until the Resurrection, where applicable. Seeking the Lord's comfort for the grieving family and expressing sentiments guided by the Spirit. Concluding the dedication in the name of Jesus Christ. Alternatively, at the family's preference, a graveside prayer may be substituted for a dedicatory prayer. In cases where a Church member's body undergoes cremation, the presiding officer is empowered to exercise judgment in deciding whether to dedicate the location where the ashes are preserved. Consideration is given to the family's wishes, local customs, and legal requirements. If dedication is chosen, the priesthood holder may tailor the instructions to align with those for dedicating a grave.

5 Important Reasons to Preplan Your Final Wishes

By Allen Mortuaries Admin • July 27, 2023

There are many reasons to pre-planning your final wishes – whether that’s a traditional funeral service or cremation. The following is a list of some of the benefits of planning ahead and why you should consider making your final wishes ahead of time.

8 Ways To Cope With Grief During The Holidays

By Drew • November 22, 2021

Many families and friends who have lost loved ones this year or in previous years wish they could simply press pause on the grieving process during the holiday season. Have you caught yourself dreading the holidays knowing the weeks ahead will potentially be an emotionally draining time? Grief is unique to everyone and the way […] The post 8 Ways To Cope With Grief During The Holidays appeared first on Blog | Allen-Hall Mortuary - Logan, UT.

What To Do When Someone Dies: Checklist

By Drew • August 3, 2020

The following checklist is provided, to give you an idea of the details that need to be resolved after a loved one has died. This list is by no means exhaustive and should no take the place of consulting with legal and financial professionals. What To Do Immediately After Someone Dies Get a […] The post What To Do When Someone Dies: Checklist appeared first on Blog | Allen-Hall Mortuary - Logan, UT.

Funeral & Graveside Services During COVID-19 Pandemic

By Drew • April 16, 2020

The health and safety of our families, guests, and employees is our top priority. With respect to the federal and local governments recommendations, we are still able to host visitations, gatherings, funerals, and memorials up to 10 people. While we are still able to serve our community, we will discuss all available options with our […] The post Funeral & Graveside Services During COVID-19 Pandemic appeared first on Blog | Allen-Hall Mortuary - Logan, UT.

Medicaid Spend Down Strategies

By Drew • January 10, 2020

You’ve most likely heard of Medicaid. But how familiar with it are you? Medicaid is the nation’s health insurance program. Most people will qualify for Medicaid based on work history. Surprisingly, a lot of wealthy people can qualify as well. The purpose of Medicaid is to help people with healthcare needs who can’t […] The post Medicaid Spend Down Strategies appeared first on Blog | Allen-Hall Mortuary - Logan, UT.

Veterans Benefits

By Drew • November 25, 2019

Military personnel or honorably discharged veterans are entitled to benefits. The following benefits may be available: Death pension to the widow and minor children Reimbursement of part of the funeral expense to a funeral home or person who paid the bill Burial in National cemeteries Burial flag and grave markers Wartime Veterans […] The post Veterans Benefits appeared first on Blog | Allen-Hall Mortuary - Logan, UT.

What To Do When Someone Dies

By Drew • November 21, 2019

If Someone Dies Under Hospice Care – When someone passes away, contact the Hospice group that is taking care of your loved one. Then call the mortuary when you are ready for us to come. If Someone Dies at a Care Facility (hospital, nursing home, assisted living, etc.) – The staff at the […] The post What To Do When Someone Dies appeared first on Blog | Allen-Hall Mortuary - Logan, UT.

A Quick Guide to Pre-Arranged Funeral Planning

By Drew • October 21, 2019

“Is this what they would have wanted?” is an all too common question when families come to plan a funeral. Making your wishes clear ahead of time can prove to be a great comfort to loved ones. What Is Pre-Planning? Pre-planning is the process of planning your funeral arrangements in advance. It […] The post A Quick Guide to Pre-Arranged Funeral Planning appeared first on Blog | Allen-Hall Mortuary - Logan, UT.

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