How to Use AI to Write a Meaningful Obituary: Step-by-Step Guide

Writing an obituary for a loved one can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re grieving. Many people aren’t sure where to begin or how to find the right words. AI tools, including general-purpose platforms like ChatGPT, can help ease that burden. Whether you're using a specialized obituary-writing tool or simply typing into a Google Doc, AI can guide you through the process. In five simple steps, here’s how to use AI to create a heartfelt, meaningful obituary without sacrificing personal touches.

Step 1: Gather the Key Details

Start with the facts before opening your laptop or launching an AI tool. Writing an obituary involves collecting vital information about your loved one’s life. This gives the AI something to work with and gives you a roadmap to follow.

Start with:

• Full name (including maiden name and/or nicknames)
• Date and place of birth
• Date and place of death
• Names of immediate family members (survived by and predeceased)
• Military service, education, career, or significant accomplishments
• Favorite hobbies, passions, or community involvement
• Religious affiliations or cultural traditions
• Any memorial or funeral details you'd like to include

These details help create a strong foundation for your obituary and make it easier to prompt the AI effectively.

You can also check out our 10 writing tips for writing an obituary or advice from writers for crafting a memorable one to help guide you.

Step 2: Decide on Tone and Style

AI works best when it knows the tone you're going for. Before you begin writing, ask yourself:

Do I want this to be serious and formal? Warm and personal? Lightly humorous?

Tone is one of the most important aspects of any obituary. A traditional obituary might focus on milestones and achievements, while a more creative one could include storytelling, quotes, or even a bit of humor. If you’re using ChatGPT or another AI assistant, try prompts like:

• “Write a heartfelt obituary for a father who loved fishing, family dinners, and telling dad jokes.”
• “Create a short, formal obituary for a retired school teacher with two adult children.”
• “Help me write a warm and funny obituary for my best friend who loved baking and karaoke.”

You can always adjust from there. AI is a tool that doesn’t replace your voice but can help shape it.

Step 3: Choose a Writing Tool That Works for You

You don’t need any special software to write a meaningful obituary. Many people use Google Docs or Microsoft Word to begin, often alongside an AI assistant like ChatGPT.

If you’d prefer some guidance along the way, consider using a platform designed to help you write an obituary. We offer a free online obituary tool with built-in AI writing prompts to help you get started. It's easy to use, and you don’t need to download anything or be tech-savvy to create something meaningful.

Other helpful AI-powered options include:

• QuickFuneral.com – Offers customizable templates and AI-generated drafts based on user input
• Typli.ai – Provides a straightforward interface for creating personalized obituaries
• Tribute Obituary Writer – Allows users to adjust tone and style with preset options

Tips for Writers Using Google Docs or Word

In a Google or Word document, you can structure the obituary in sections:

• Introduction (who they were, when they passed)
• Life overview (birth, education, career, family)
• Personality and hobbies
• End with memorial details or a favorite quote

If you’re using AI to assist while writing directly in your document, copy and paste your gathered facts into the document and ask the AI to help generate or refine sentences, transitions, or tone.

Step 4: Edit for Clarity and Accuracy

AI-generated writing can be a great first draft, but your input is still essential. Once you have a working version, read it carefully. Ask:

• Is this factually accurate?
• Does it sound like the person I’m writing about?
• Are there any parts that feel off-tone or generic?
• Have I included all the key people, dates, and places?

Editing isn’t just about fixing typos. It’s also about making sure the tribute feels right. Don’t hesitate to tweak phrases or add in a short story that shows your loved one’s character.

Step 5: Add Personal Touches

This is where the magic happens. Even if an AI helped you draft the obituary, only you can add the little moments that matter most. Consider including:

• A favorite quote or saying
• A short anecdote that sums up who they were
• Their favorite recipe, book, or pastime
• A gentle thank-you to hospice staff or caregivers

These personal details help bring your loved one’s memory to life for others reading the obituary.

Optional Step: Ask for Feedback

If you're unsure about the final version, share it with a close family member or friend. They might catch a minor detail you forgot or suggest ways to improve the flow.

Many people also find that reviewing the obituary together becomes a healing step in the grief process. It’s a way to reflect, remember, and honor someone as a group.

Bonus Tips to Make AI Work for You

• Use specific prompts: The more detail you give the AI, the better the results. Include tone, personality traits, and facts.
• Break it into pieces: Ask the AI to help with one section at a time (intro, life history, closing).
• Revise and refine: Don’t expect perfection in one draft. AI can revise as you adjust the tone or structure.
• Save everything: AI may produce lines or variations you want to keep for a memorial program or social media tribute.

Final Draft and Next Steps

Let AI handle the nuts and bolts of structuring sentences, while you provide the soul. When combined thoughtfully, the result can be a touching tribute that truly honors your loved one’s life.

Now that you have a final draft for your loved one’s obituary, share it with the world. Use our free online obituary platform and send the link to family and friends. For more memorial ideas, visit our Memorial Store for beautiful sympathy and remembrance keepsakes. 

Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter for practical guidance on end-of-life matters.