How to Write a Simple Death Notice

Find out the rules and fees for publication.
Most newspapers require you to call directly. Here are questions to ask:
* Is any part of the notice printed for free? - some newspapers print a basic notice for free.
* Do you charge by the line? By the inch? By the word? - once you know how they charge, you need to know how many characters (including spaces and punctuation) are contained in a line or inch of print.
* What is the charge for a picture - what size and format must it be in?

The most basic information:
* Complete name. First, Middle and Last.
* Age
* City and State they lived in at the time of their death.
* Occupation and (if applicable) military service.
* Date, Time and Location of any services - memorial, funeral, graveside

Most Basic Example:
Mr. Harold James Jones, retired firefighter of Rome, NY. 91. Died June 7, 2009. Service 3pm, visitation 11:30pm, Thursday 6/9, Joyce Funeral Home; burial 6/9, Jay Street Baptist Church Cemetery.

More information about the deceased could include:
* The date and place of their birth
* if recently moved - the city and state they spent the majority of their life in
* background - for example: marriage, job title, civic organizations, awards, education
* family members - deceased and surviving

Less basic example:
Mr. Harold James "Harry" Jones, retired firefighter of Rome, NY. 91. Moved to Vegas in 2004. Rotary Club past president. Volunteer usher for Jay Street Baptist Church. Survived by his wife, Diane; two daughters and three grandchildren. Died June 7, 2009. Service 3pm, visitation 11:30pm, Thursday 6/9, Joyce Funeral Home; burial 6/9, Jay Street Baptist Church Cemetery.

Even less basic - include the names of relatives.

A newspaper death notice can be very expensive. Many families choose a basic notice and include a link to an online memorial. Some examples of on-line memorial services:

* Legacy.com - free for 14 days. $49 charge for 1 year.
http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/
* National Obituary Archive - $39.95 basic additional fees for
memorials and tributes.
http://www.arrangeonline.com/
* Americas Memorials - FREE for military. 30 day trial, then $39.95
http://www.americasmemorials.com/