How to Submit an Obituary Online
Losing a loved one is never easy. During this emotional time, writing an obituary becomes an important way to honor and remember them. To submit an obituary online, choose a platform (like a funeral home website, local newspaper site, or an online memorial page). Then, gather all important details about your loved one, such as their full name, date of birth, major life events, and surviving family members.
After that, carefully write the obituary in a heartfelt tone, review it for accuracy, and submit it online by uploading the text, attaching photos, selecting publishing dates, and completing any payment if needed. Honor a loved one by submitting obituaries that Phoenix residents would read online today.
5 Steps to Submit an Obituary Online
Here’s the process to submit an obituary online:
1. Choose the Right Platform
Choose the location for the obituary first. Typical choices consist of:
- Newspaper websites: You can send an online obituary to most standard newspapers, even if you don’t want to place a print ad.
- Funeral home websites: Many funeral homes post obituaries as part of their services.
- Dedicated memorial websites: Sites like Legacy.com or Ever Loved specialize in online obituaries.
If your deceased loved one lived in a certain area, it’s best to post it in local publications so that more people can see it.
2. Gather Important Information
Before you begin writing, collect all the necessary details to avoid last-minute stress. This includes:
- Full name (including maiden name, if applicable).
- Date and place of birth.
- Date and place of death.
- Family members (surviving and deceased).
- Major life achievements (career, education, hobbies, military service).
- Special interests or passions.
- Funeral or memorial service information.
Having everything in one place ensures the obituary is complete and accurate.
3. Write the Obituary
A well-written obituary captures the essence of a person’s life. Keep the tone respectful, sincere, and warm. Here’s a basic structure to follow:
- Opening statement: Announce the passing, including the full name, age, and place of death.
- Biographical sketch: Share significant life events, education, career milestones, and hobbies.
- Personal notes: Mention favorite memories, character traits, or quotes.
- Family information: List close surviving relatives and, if desired, predeceased family members.
- Service details: Provide the service’s date, time, and location, as well as any preferences (like charitable donations in lieu of flowers).
Keep sentences natural and heartfelt, avoiding overly formal language unless it matches your loved one’s personality.
4. Edit Carefully
After writing, set the piece aside for a short while, then review it carefully. Check for:
- Spelling and grammar errors.
- Correct names and dates.
- Consistent tone and flow.
- Accurate service information.
It’s also helpful to have another family member or friend review it. A second set of eyes can catch mistakes you might overlook.
5. Submit the Obituary at Your Local Listing
Each website or newspaper will have its own submission process. Generally, you will:
- Upload the text through an online form.
- Attach any photos you want included.
- Choose publishing dates.
- Pay any associated fees (some platforms charge for posting or extra features).
If you’re submitting to a local platform, make sure you choose the correct listing. Be sure to review your final submission carefully before hitting “submit.”
3 Tips for a Meaningful Online Obituary
The following are some tips to how to submit an obituary online:
1. Use a High-Quality Photo
Including a clear, recent photo helps readers connect with your loved one’s memory. Use a photo that reflects their personality, whether a professional portrait or a favorite candid shot.
2. Be Specific and Personal
Specific details, like mentioning a love for gardening, storytelling, or community service, make the obituary feel more personal and vivid.
3. Invite Engagement
Many online obituary sites allow readers to leave comments or share memories. To encourage readers to participate, add a sentence like, “The family welcomes your memories and messages on this page.”
Conclusion
Submitting an obituary online is a meaningful way to honor a loved one’s memory and share their life story with others. By following simple steps, choosing the right platform, gathering important details, writing thoughtfully, and submitting carefully, you can create a lasting tribute that reaches friends and family near and far.
If you’re posting obituaries Phoenix for someone from a specific community, browsing local listings can be a helpful way to ensure your tribute reaches the right audience. Creating and sharing an online obituary allows memories to live on and allows everyone touched by your loved one’s life to come together in remembrance.