How to Write a Death Notice (With Examples)

A death notice is not the same as an obituary. It's shorter, more formal, and meant to accomplish one specific thing: notify the community of the death and provide service information. Here's how to write one.

Death Notice vs. Obituary: What's the Difference?

Death notice: Brief (50–150 words). Factual. Placed and paid for by the family. Announces the death, lists survivors, provides service information.
Obituary: Longer (200–600+ words). Tells the person's life story. May be written by the family or a journalist. Celebrates who the person was.

Many families publish a short death notice in the newspaper (especially to announce service details) and a longer tribute on a memorial website or funeral home page. For a full guide to the longer tribute, see our obituary writing guide.

What to Include in a Death Notice

Full name — legal name, plus any widely used nickname in quotes
Age — most notices include age; some include birth and death dates
Date and city of death
Immediate survivors — spouse, children, grandchildren (names; "of [city]" is optional)
Those who preceded in death — if relevant
Service information — date, time, location of funeral or memorial service
Donation preference — "In lieu of flowers, donations to [charity]" (optional)

What to Leave Out

A death notice is not the place for career highlights, personality tributes, or personal stories — that's the obituary. Keep it to the facts. Every word costs money when placed in a newspaper.

Death Notice Examples

Example 1: Traditional, with service information

HOLLOWAY — Margaret "Maggie" Ann Holloway, 79, of Springfield, passed away June 4, 2026. Beloved wife of Robert Holloway; devoted mother of David (Sarah) Holloway and Karen Holloway Mitchell; cherished grandmother of five. Preceded in death by her parents and her brother, James Connors. A funeral service will be held Saturday, June 10, at 11am at First Presbyterian Church, 400 Main Street, Springfield. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Lincoln Elementary School's literacy fund.

Example 2: Brief and simple

CHEN — Thomas Richard Chen, 64, of Cincinnati, died June 1, 2026. He is survived by his wife Ruth; children Michael, Jessica, and Andrew; and four grandchildren. A private service will be held for the family.

Example 3: Cremation, no service announced

PARK — Jordan Lee Park, 28, passed away unexpectedly May 30, 2026, in Portland. He is survived by his parents David and Susan Park and his sister Mia. A celebration of life will be announced by the family at a later date. Condolences may be shared at [website].

Example 4: Veteran, with military note

MORALES — Edward "Ed" Joseph Morales, 88, U.S. Navy veteran, of Tucson, passed away peacefully at home June 2, 2026. Beloved husband of Gloria Morales for 60 years; loving father of four children; proud grandfather of nine. Military graveside services will be held at the National Cemetery of Arizona, June 12 at 10am.

How to Submit a Death Notice

Contact the newspaper directly. Most newspapers have an obituary or classified department with an online form or email address. Google "[your city] newspaper death notice submission."
Ask the funeral home. Most funeral homes have relationships with local papers and will submit on your behalf as part of their services.
Submit early. Most papers require notices 24–48 hours before publication. If you want it in before the funeral, confirm the deadline immediately after arrangements are made.
Online platforms. Legacy.com, Dignity Memorial, and most funeral home websites allow free or low-cost online death notices with no word limit.

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a death notice and an obituary?

A death notice is a brief, factual announcement of someone's death — typically 50–150 words — placed and paid for by the family, containing basic information: name, age, date, survivors, and service details. An obituary is a longer tribute that tells the story of the person's life — usually 200–600 words or more — and may be written by newspaper staff (for notable individuals) or submitted by the family. Many families publish both: a death notice in the newspaper for timing, and a longer obituary on a memorial website.

How much does a death notice cost?

Newspaper death notices are charged per line or per word. Rates vary widely by publication: a small regional paper might charge $5–$15 per line; a major metropolitan newspaper can charge $10–$40 per line. A typical death notice of 100 words might cost $50–$200 depending on the publication. Many online platforms (Legacy.com, Funeral.com) offer free or low-cost online death notices. Funeral homes often help coordinate placement.

How long should a death notice be?

A traditional newspaper death notice runs 50–150 words. Include the essentials: name, age, date and city of death, immediate survivors, and service information. Everything else — career, accomplishments, personality — belongs in the obituary. When paying by the word or line, brevity matters financially as well as editorially.

How quickly do you need to submit a death notice?

Most newspapers require death notices 24–48 hours before publication. If you want the notice to appear before or on the day of the funeral service (so attendees can find the time and location), submit as soon as arrangements are confirmed. The funeral home typically has relationships with local papers and can handle submission for you.

Can you write a death notice for someone who died weeks ago?

Yes. There is no deadline for publishing a death notice. Many families publish a memorial notice on the anniversary of a death, or place a notice after a private service is held weeks after the death. Some choose not to publish a notice at all. There is no rule requiring a death notice.