Writing an obituary might seem challenging, but it is a chance to celebrate the life and legacy of a loved one. It is more than just a list of dates and facts; an obituary is an opportunity to share the special qualities, accomplishments, and values of the person who has passed.
To write a great obituary, add necessary details with memorable moments that bring character to life. Include personal anecdotes, meaningful reflections, and insights from family and friends. Answer sensitive questions and write as if they’re still here. Don’t include humor, as it’s not necessary in obituaries.
The Basics of Writing a Great Obituary
Writing a meaningful obituary for someone you love is not a difficult task. With a few simple steps, you can create a tribute that speaks to the life and legacy of that person. Here are expert recommendations to get you started:
1. Start with Key Facts
Obituaries must include the essential details. You can start with the person's full name, birthplace, age, date, location, and (if known) cause of death. Then, add some important accomplishments in life, like marriages, children, career milestones, and retirement.
You shouldn't forget to put on the list of people left behind and their relation to the deceased person. Lastly, include facts about the memorial service and information on where the donations or flowers can be sent. These basics ensure the obituary is informative and feels formal.
2. Seek Personal Stories From Others
A good obituary should include both key facts and personal stories. Think of the characteristics that define your loved one and the memories that illustrate those characteristics. Ask family and friends for their favorite moments to generate ideas as you recall shared experiences. Humorous anecdotes, quirky habits, or remarkable mistakes can add personality and charm to the obituary and make it feel more like a celebration of life.
3. Add Sensitive Questions to Lead Your Obits
If you want to write a great obituary, it should be worthwhile to reflect on sensitive questions like:
- How did they live?
- What best represented them?
- What did matter most to them?
- What unique talent did they have, and what made them great at it?
Explain these questions as to how they would want to be remembered and how they will live on in the hearts of lovers.
4. Write As If They're Still Here — Then Edit
Some journalists suggest writing the obituary in the present tense and then changing it to the past tense later. This way, you might feel closer to the person whose obituary you are writing. You could attempt to write an obituary as though you are writing a letter to the closest loved ones of that person, providing meaningful information about them. That personal touch usually makes the writing seem more real.
5. Humour Is Not Always Needed
Some obituaries take a humorous approach, like John's capturing his playful personality. However, some tributes do not need to have humor. If your loved one is more reserved or proper, it is fine to keep a serious tone. Some things cannot be funny: the loss of a child or the death of a tragedy.
On this particular occasion, a short obituary that is real and truthful about the impact that the person has on your life is enough. The memories he leaves could serve just as well. Combining essential facts with your personal reflections will help you write an obituary that honors the life your loved one lived and leaves a lasting impression on readers.
How Long Are Most Obituaries?
Most Oklahoma obituaries have an average of about 200 words. However, some publications accept longer obituaries of 450 words. You may also see obituaries accepted as shorter versions of about 50 words or more. The key is to find out the publication's guidelines and be within their requirement range.
Are Obituaries Required in Oklahoma?
When the time comes for death, Oklahoma does not mandate that an obituary be published in any newspaper. Instead, the official death record is the death certificate issued by a medical certifier or licensed funeral home director. It is mandatory to file with the state Office of Vital Statistics.
What is the Difference Between an Obituary and an Eulogy?
An obituary is a public declaration of someone's death; usually, it is published in a newspaper, with details like name, age, date of death, and service details. On the other hand, a eulogy is a personal tribute or speech at a funeral that aims to celebrate one's life through stories or reflections by loved ones.
Conclusion
To create an informative and highly meaningful tribute, gather stories from friends and family, reflect on your loved one's unique qualities, and carefully choose the tone that best represents them. Whether it's heartfelt or full of humor, sincere writing creates a memory that brings comfort to others. In this way, the obituary will become more than an announcement and honor their life. Follow the guidelines to create a lasting legacy that keeps their memory alive for all who read it.
In Oklahoma obits, a good obituary is a balance between factual information and personal reflection to capture the essence of the loved one in words
