Understanding how to write and publish an obituary in a newspaper

Writing a tribute for someone who has passed away can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with newspapers. Many people don’t realize how much detail goes into publishing an obituary. It’s not just about remembering the person—it’s also about following specific steps and rules. First, you’ll need to gather basic details like the person’s full name, address, and contact information. You’ll also need to write the obituary text and attach a photo if you want one included. The newspaper will need proof of the person’s death, either through a funeral home or a death certificate. Once everything is ready, you submit it and wait for a proof to review before it goes to print.

Pricing depends on how long the obituary is and how often it runs. The cheapest option is the minimum charge for the first 12 lines, with additional lines costing extra. If you want the obituary to appear multiple times, there are discounts for running it more than once. Photos add another fee, and they must be used on all days the obituary runs to qualify for discounts. Deadlines matter too. You can’t submit an obituary last minute and expect it to appear the next day. The newspaper has strict cut-off times, and missing them means waiting longer. If you have questions, you can call during business hours, but weekends and holidays won’t get responses.

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