Write a Memorable Obituary

Posting and publishing obituaries are among the cremation services offered in Phoenix, AZ. Many people now are choosing to make their obituaries – whether they are their own or they are for a loved one – really capture the heart and soul of who that person was. In the process, a memorable obituary is written.

One example of a memorable obituary is that of Harry Weathersby Stamps, who died in 2013. Harry’s family wanted to capture the essence of a man that, it’s abundantly clear, they loved and they adored. An excerpt from Harry’s obituary reads: “The women in his life were numerous. He particularly fancied smart women. He loved his mom Wilma Hartzog (deceased), who with the help of her sisters and cousins in New Hebron reared Harry after his father Walter’s death when Harry was 12. He worshipped his older sister Lynn Stamps Garner (deceased), a character in her own right, and her daughter Lynda Lightsey of Hattiesburg. He married his main squeeze Ann Moore, a home economics teacher, almost 50 years ago, with whom they had two girls Amanda Lewis of Dallas, and Alison of Starkville. He taught them to fish, to select a quality hammer, to love nature, and to just be thankful. He took great pride in stocking their tool boxes. One of his regrets was not seeing his girl, Hillary Clinton, elected President.”

When Michael “Flathead” Blanchard died in 2012, his family included the following in his obituary: “Weary of reading obituaries noting someone’s courageous battle with death, Mike wanted it known that he died as a result of being stubborn, refusing to follow doctors’ orders and raising hell for more than six decades. He enjoyed booze, guns, cars and younger women until the day he died.”

Another memorable obituary is that of William Ziegler who died in 2016. His obituary reads, in part: “William Ziegler escaped this mortal realm on Friday, July 29, 2016 at the age of 69. We think he did it on purpose to avoid having to make a decision in the pending presidential election. He leaves behind four children, five grand-children, and the potted meat industry, for which he was an unofficial spokesman until dietary restrictions forced him to eat real food. William volunteered for service in the United States Navy at the ripe old age of 17 and immediately realized he didn’t much enjoy being bossed around. He only stuck it out for one war. Before his discharge, however, the government exchanged numerous ribbons and medals for various honorable acts. Upon his return to the City of New Orleans in 1971, thinking it best to keep an eye on him, government officials hired William as a fireman. After twenty-five years, he suddenly realized that running away from burning buildings made more sense than running toward them. He promptly retired.”

It is not hard to write a memorable obituary. Simply describe the person – whether it’s yourself or a loved one who has died – as if you were telling your friends stories that stood out along the journey of life. Obituaries should have more story-telling and less formality, because even if you don’t personally know the person who died, you feel like you know them – and would’ve probably been great friends with them – after you’ve read their obituaries.

For more information obituaries and cremation services provided in Phoenix, AZ, our compassionate and experienced team at Simply Cremation & Funeral Arrangements is here to help. You can come to our funeral home at 16952 W. Bell Rd., #303, Surprise, AZ, 85374, or you can contact us today at (623) 975-9393.