How to Write an Obituary for a Significant Other

An obituary traditionally highlights a loved one's life while acknowledging family members and loved ones. The obituary also serves public notice pertaining to the death of a person and place of memorial service. Sometimes memorial cards containing the obituary are then given out to family and friends at the wake. Many people find comfort by clipping the obituary out of the newspaper for a scrapbook or photo album.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• Deceased information
• Family information
• Memorial service
• Cemetery name

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Instructions

• 1

  Contact the newspaper where you wish to publish the obituary. Newspapers differ on content requirements, space allocation and charges--based on written length and whether or not a photograph is included.

• 2

  Write name, date of death, place of death, birth date and where born for the deceased.

• 3

  Think of highlights to write, such as memorable or significant events involving the significant other. Consider schools attended, academic degrees, hobbies, vocation and interests.

• 4

  List the immediate family by name and relationship.

• 5

  Mention all spouses, even dead and divorced, with known dates and location of marriage and divorce.

• 6

  Include your name and "significant other" or "life partner" with the number of years or months of the loving relationship. Some newspapers maintain a traditional listing of names by bloodline and marriage and reserve the right to have special companions listed only after the blood relatives consent. Inquire beforehand with the paper.

• 7

  Give the location, dates and time of the memorial service, final resting place and names of pallbearers when applicable.