Obituary Examples

Obituary example for a mother

Warm life story tone. 184 words.

Margaret Ann Sample of Riverton died peacefully on February 14, 2026, at home. Margaret was 87.

Margaret was born on April 9, 1938, in Millbrook to Harold and Edna Example. She graduated from Millbrook High School in 1956. She married Charles Sample in 1959.

She worked as a bookkeeper at Riverton Hardware for 27 years. She was a member of Riverton Community Church. Margaret loved baking, quilting and calling each of her grandchildren every Sunday. Her kitchen was the place where the family gathered, and no one left it without a plate of food to take home.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Charles. Margaret is survived by her daughters, Susan Sample and Karen Model; her son, David Sample; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Margaret will be deeply missed by family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at Riverton Community Church on February 19, 2026, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Riverton Community Church food pantry.

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Obituary example for a father

Traditional obituary tone. 191 words.

Robert James Example, 84, of Pinecrest, passed away surrounded by his family on March 30, 2026, at the Pinecrest Care Center.

Robert was born on September 22, 1941, in Lakeside to Frank and Alice Example. He graduated from Lakeside High School in 1959. He married Patricia Hale in 1964.

He worked as a long-haul truck driver for 34 years. He served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1963. He was a member of the Pinecrest Volunteer Fire Company. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking and making pancakes every Saturday morning. He drove more than three million miles without an accident and never missed a family birthday.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Frank Jr. Robert is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia; his sons, Michael Example and Gary Example; his daughter, Linda Pattern; and five grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Pinecrest Funeral Chapel on April 4, 2026, at 1 p.m. Burial will follow with military honors at Pinecrest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pinecrest Volunteer Fire Company.

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Obituary example for a grandmother

Warm life story tone. 168 words.

Dorothy Louise Model of Lakeside died peacefully on January 27, 2026, at her daughter's home. Dorothy was 90.

Dorothy was born on November 3, 1935, in Fairview to Henry and Mabel Pattern. She married George Model in 1957.

She worked as a school cafeteria cook for 22 years. Dorothy loved knitting a blanket for every new baby in the family, tending her rose garden and telling stories at the kitchen table. She never forgot a birthday, and every grandchild got a hand-knit scarf the winter they turned ten.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, George, and her son, Peter. Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Ellen Hart and Ruth Model; her son, Paul Model; 11 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Dorothy will be deeply missed by family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at the Lakeside Grange Hall on February 7, 2026, at 2 p.m. Family and friends are invited to share a memory.

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Obituary example for a grandfather

Traditional obituary tone. 180 words.

Walter Franklin Specimen, 88, of Maple Grove, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, at home.

Walter was born on June 18, 1937, in Riverton to Elmer and Clara Specimen. He graduated from Riverton High School in 1955. He married Helen Frost in 1960.

He worked as a dairy farmer for 40 years. He was a member of the Maple Grove Methodist Church. He enjoyed baseball, the county fair and teaching his grandchildren to drive a tractor. He rose at 4 a.m. every day of his working life and liked to say that the cows kept better time than any clock.

Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Helen. Walter is survived by his sons, Tom Specimen and Jack Specimen; his daughter, Nancy Sample; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Maple Grove Methodist Church on May 6, 2026, at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maple Grove Methodist Church building fund.

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Obituary example for a husband

Traditional obituary tone. 168 words.

Frank Anthony Demo, 66, of Pinecrest, passed away suddenly on April 11, 2026, at home.

Frank was born on March 15, 1960, in Fairview to Joseph and Rose Demo. He graduated from Fairview High School in 1978. He married Linda Marsh in 1984.

He worked as an electrician for 38 years. He enjoyed coaching youth soccer, grilling for the whole street and long drives with Linda. He was the neighbor who showed up with a ladder or a toolbox before anyone had to ask.

Frank was preceded in death by his father, Joseph. Frank is survived by his wife of 42 years, Linda; his daughters, Maria Demo and Julia Sample; his mother, Rose; and two grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Pinecrest Funeral Chapel on April 16, 2026, at 11 a.m. Friends may call at the chapel from 9 a.m. until the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pinecrest Youth Soccer League.

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Obituary example for a wife

Warm life story tone. 180 words.

Barbara Jean Pattern of Lakeside died after a long illness on June 8, 2026, at home. Barbara was 68.

Barbara was born on December 1, 1957, in Millbrook to Leonard and June Sample. She graduated from Millbrook High School in 1975. She married Richard Pattern in 1980.

She worked as a dental hygienist for 30 years. She was a member of the Lakeside Garden Club. Barbara loved gardening, jigsaw puzzles and trips to the coast with Richard. Friends remember her warm laugh, her careful notes and the way she made every patient feel at ease.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents. Barbara is survived by her husband of 46 years, Richard; her son, Andrew Pattern; her daughter, Claire Example; her sister, Anne Sample; and four grandchildren. Barbara will be deeply missed by family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at the Lakeside Garden Pavilion on June 13, 2026, at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lakeside Garden Club scholarship fund.

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Obituary example for a son

Religious-neutral tone. 174 words.

Daniel Michael Sample, 31, of Riverton, died suddenly on July 19, 2026.

Daniel was born on August 12, 1994, in Riverton to Mark and Julie Sample. He graduated from Riverton High School in 2012 and Fairview State College in 2016.

He worked as a physical therapy assistant at the Riverton Wellness Clinic. He enjoyed trail running, board games and his two dogs, Bean and Pickle. He ran his first marathon at 25 and cheered louder for the last finisher than for the first.

Daniel was preceded in death by his grandfather, Walter Sample. Daniel is survived by his parents, Mark and Julie; his sister, Emily Sample; his grandmother, Ruth Sample; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Daniel will be remembered by family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at Riverton Community Park, Pavilion B on July 25, 2026, at 4 p.m. Guests are welcome to wear running shoes.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Riverton Animal Shelter.

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Obituary example for a daughter

Warm life story tone. 172 words.

Emily Rose Example of Fairview died after a long illness on August 23, 2026, at home. Emily was 37.

Emily was born on February 20, 1989, in Fairview to Peter and Anne Example. She graduated from Fairview State College in 2011. She married Ben Hart in 2015.

She worked as a third-grade teacher at Fairview Elementary School. Emily loved reading aloud, painting and making up songs with her sons. Her students remember her read-aloud voices, and her classroom door stayed open to anyone who needed a quiet minute.

Emily was preceded in death by her grandmother, Ruth Example. Emily is survived by her husband, Ben; her sons, Noah and Owen; her parents, Peter and Anne; and her brother, Luke Example. Emily will be deeply missed by family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Fairview Elementary School Library on August 29, 2026, at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fairview Elementary School library fund.

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Obituary example for a sister or brother

Traditional obituary tone. 162 words.

Helen Marie Specimen, 73, of Millbrook, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, at the Millbrook Hospice House.

Helen was born on July 14, 1952, in Millbrook to Arthur and Lois Specimen. She graduated from Millbrook High School in 1970.

She worked as a legal secretary for 35 years. She was a member of the Millbrook Choral Society. She enjoyed singing, birdwatching and long phone calls with her sisters. She kept a list of every bird she saw from her kitchen window, and it ran to 112 kinds.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Arthur Jr. Helen is survived by her sisters, Joan Model and Carol Sample; her brother, William Specimen; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Millbrook Library Community Room on March 14, 2026, at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Millbrook Choral Society.

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Obituary example for a friend

Religious-neutral tone. 178 words.

George Albert Placeholder, 76, of Lakeside, died peacefully on September 2, 2026, at the Lakeside Care Center.

George was born on October 5, 1949, in Fairview. He graduated from Fairview High School in 1967.

He worked as a carpenter and cabinet maker for 41 years. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1968 to 1972. He was a member of the Lakeside Chess Club for 30 years. He enjoyed chess, fixing his neighbors' porches and strong coffee. He built cabinets for half the kitchens on his street and never charged his friends.

George was preceded in death by his parents. George is survived by his niece, Ruth Placeholder, and his many friends at the Lakeside Chess Club. George will be remembered by family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at the Lakeside Senior Center on September 12, 2026, at 1 p.m. There will be a chess table in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lakeside Chess Club youth program.

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Short death notice for a mother

Brief death notice tone. 59 words.

SAMPLE, Ruth Evelyn, 92, of Riverton, died peacefully February 3, 2026, at home.

Survived by her son, Mark Sample; her daughter, Julie Example; and four grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, Walter.

A funeral service will be held at Riverton Chapel on February 7, 2026, at 10 a.m.

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Short death notice for a father

Brief death notice tone. 61 words.

EXAMPLE, Harold Wayne, 85, of Pinecrest, died April 19, 2026.

Survived by his wife, Alice; his sons, Tom and Dan; and six grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Pinecrest Cemetery on April 23, 2026, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pinecrest Library.

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Short death notice for a grandmother

Brief death notice tone. 56 words.

MODEL, Mabel Grace, 93, of Lakeside, died surrounded by her family June 21, 2026.

Survived by her daughter, Ellen Hart; her son, Paul Model; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Lakeside Methodist Church on June 27, 2026, at 2 p.m.

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Short death notice for a husband

Brief death notice tone. 70 words.

DEMO, Joseph Paul, 70, of Fairview, died after a long illness August 14, 2026.

Survived by his wife of 48 years, Maria; his daughters, Anna and Rose; and three grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at Fairview Funeral Home on August 19, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fairview Hospice Fund.

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Short death notice for a friend

Brief death notice tone. 55 words.

PATTERN, Alex Morgan, 55, of Millbrook, died suddenly May 27, 2026.

Survived by their partner, Sam Hale; their mother, Linda; and a wide circle of friends.

A celebration of life will be held at the Millbrook Arts Center on June 6, 2026, at 5 p.m.

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Life story for a mother

Warm life story tone. 387 words.

Joan Catherine Model of Fairview died surrounded by her family on March 18, 2026, at home. Joan was 83.

Joan was born on June 7, 1942, in Riverton to Arthur and Lillian Specimen. She graduated from Riverton High School in 1960, and later earned a nursing diploma from Fairview Hospital in 1963. She married Edward Model in 1965, and the two settled in Fairview, where they raised four children in the same yellow house for 52 years, planting an apple tree for each child in the back yard.

She worked as a registered nurse at Fairview Hospital for 36 years, working nights for most of them so she could be home when her children left for school, and she trained dozens of young nurses who still call her their first mentor. Colleagues said that Joan could calm a crowded emergency room with one steady look, and patients wrote to her for years after they went home. She was a member of the Fairview Community Church, where she sang in the choir for 40 years and organized the annual harvest supper, and she also drove neighbors to their appointments every Tuesday for more than a decade. Joan loved her vegetable garden, the crossword puzzle in the Sunday paper, sewing costumes for school plays, and hosting every holiday meal, with a table that always had room for one more guest. She kept every card and drawing her grandchildren ever made and mailed each of them a birthday letter with a five-dollar bill inside.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Edward; her parents; and her brother, Arthur Jr. Joan is survived by her children, Susan Model, Robert Model, Karen Pattern and Peter Model; her sister, Margaret Sample; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a large circle of nieces, nephews and friends. Joan will be deeply missed by family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at Fairview Community Church on March 23, 2026, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, and a lunch for family and friends will be served in the church hall. The family thanks the nurses and aides who cared for Joan at home during her last weeks.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fairview Hospital nursing scholarship fund.

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Life story for a father

Traditional obituary tone. 409 words.

Raymond Edward Sample, 86, of Pinecrest, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026, at the Pinecrest Care Center.

Raymond was born on October 26, 1939, in Lakeside to Clarence and Evelyn Sample. He graduated from Lakeside High School in 1957, where he played center on the basketball team, and Fairview State College in 1961 with a degree in civil engineering. He was the first in his family to attend college, and he paid for the degree by working summers on a road crew. He married Barbara Hale in 1962, and the couple celebrated their 63rd anniversary last June.

He worked as a civil engineer for the county road department for 38 years, and he designed or repaired more than 40 bridges that carry traffic across the county today, including the Pinecrest Creek bridge on Route 9. He was proud that no bridge he built ever needed an emergency repair, and he drove across each one with his family to say so. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1961 to 1967. He was a member of the Pinecrest Rotary Club for over 40 years and served two terms as its president. He enjoyed fly fishing in the mountain streams of the north, building model trains in the basement, coaching Little League for 15 seasons, and reading a history book each week until the week before he died. Raymond had a dry sense of humor, a firm handshake and a habit of leaving a tool or a tin of cookies on a porch down the street without a note.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Donald; and his son, Kevin. Raymond is survived by his wife, Barbara; his daughters, Anne Example and Laura Pattern; his son, Brian Sample; his sister, Joyce Model; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He is also remembered by the engineers he trained and the many players he coached.

Funeral services will be held at Pinecrest Funeral Chapel on May 19, 2026, at 1 p.m. Burial with military honors will follow at Pinecrest Cemetery, and the family will receive friends at the chapel one hour before the service. Raymond asked that the service include a recording of his favorite hymn and that no one wear black, because he thought a funeral should feel like a family reunion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pinecrest Rotary Club scholarship fund.

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Life story for a grandmother

Warm life story tone. 367 words.

Beatrice May Specimen of Millbrook died peacefully on April 27, 2026, at home. Beatrice was 93.

Beatrice was born on February 11, 1933, in Fairview to Samuel and Nell Demo. She graduated from Fairview High School in 1951, then a one-year secretarial course in the city. She married Henry Specimen in 1955, a marriage that lasted 61 years until his death in 2016.

She worked as the secretary of Millbrook Elementary School for 29 years, where she knew every student by name and kept a drawer of bandages, spare mittens and peppermints for anyone who needed them. Former students often stopped her in the grocery store to say hello, and she always asked about their parents. She was a member of the Millbrook Grange and the Millbrook Historical Society, and she wrote the society newsletter for 20 years. She helped save the old Millbrook depot from demolition in 1988 by organizing a petition that gathered 900 signatures. Beatrice loved canning peaches every August, baking pies for the church bake sale, doing the Saturday puzzle with her grandson, and sitting on the porch to wave at every car that passed. She wrote a letter every Sunday to a friend she had known since the fourth grade, and the two exchanged more than 3,000 letters over seven decades.

Beatrice was preceded in death by her husband, Henry; her sister, Louise; and her daughter, Carol. Beatrice is survived by her sons, Thomas Specimen and James Specimen; her daughter, Nancy Pattern; her sister-in-law, Edith Demo; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and the many students she welcomed to Millbrook Elementary School. Beatrice will be deeply missed by family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at the Millbrook Grange Hall on May 2, 2026, at 2 p.m. Guests are asked to bring a story or a favorite recipe to share, and a reception with pie will follow. The family will also share the recipes Beatrice wrote on index cards and kept in a tin by her stove, so that her pies can be baked again at many tables.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Millbrook Historical Society.

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Obituary for a veteran

Traditional obituary tone. 197 words.

Charles William Model, 79, of Lakeside, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, at the Lakeside Veterans Home.

Charles was born on July 4, 1946, in Fairview to William and Edith Model. He graduated from Fairview High School in 1964. He married Donna Frost in 1971.

He worked as a postal carrier for 31 years. He served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1969, including a year of service in Germany, and he received the Army Commendation Medal. He was a member of American Legion Post 100 in Lakeside. He enjoyed fishing with his grandsons and flying the flag every morning. He walked the same mail route for 20 years and knew the names of the dogs on every block.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents. Charles is survived by his wife, Donna; his daughter, Karen Example; his son, Scott Model; and four grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Lakeside Veterans Cemetery on February 27, 2026, at 11 a.m. Military honors will be presented by American Legion Post 100.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Legion Post 100.

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Obituary with a religious service

Traditional obituary tone. 209 words.

Anna Marie Demo, 81, of Fairview, passed away surrounded by her family on March 6, 2026, at home.

Anna was born on December 19, 1944, in Fairview to Joseph and Theresa Demo. She graduated from Fairview High School in 1962. She married Paul Pattern in 1966.

She worked as a seamstress and the owner of Anna's Alterations for 30 years. She was a member of St. Example Church, where she led the rosary group. She enjoyed cooking for the parish festival, praying for her family and dancing at weddings. Her alterations made generations of brides feel at ease, and she often stayed up late to finish a hem for a funeral or a graduation.

Anna was preceded in death by her husband, Paul. Anna is survived by her children, Maria Sample, Joseph Pattern and Teresa Model; her brother, Peter Demo; and six grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at St. Example Church on March 11, 2026, at 10 a.m. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Fairview Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Example Church food bank.

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Obituary with a non-religious service

Religious-neutral tone. 183 words.

Jordan Lee Pattern, 61, of Millbrook, died peacefully on June 30, 2026, at home.

Jordan was born on April 24, 1965, in Riverton. They graduated from Fairview State College in 1987.

They worked as a high school science teacher for 28 years and a volunteer stargazing guide. They enjoyed telescopes, jazz records, bad puns and long walks with their dog, Comet. Jordan ran the school astronomy club for 20 years and taught hundreds of students to find Saturn on their own.

Jordan was preceded in death by their father, Gerald Pattern. Jordan is survived by their partner, Alex Hale; their mother, Judith Pattern; their sister, Dana Model; and former students across the county. Jordan will be remembered by family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at the Millbrook Observatory Lawn on July 12, 2026, at 6 p.m. Guests are invited to bring a lawn chair and a memory. Telescopes will be set up after sunset.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Millbrook High School astronomy club.

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Obituary for a private service

Religious-neutral tone. 159 words.

Louise Carol Example, 75, of Pinecrest, died after a long illness on September 15, 2026, at home.

Louise was born on August 17, 1951, in Lakeside. She graduated from Lakeside High School in 1969.

She worked as a librarian at the Pinecrest Public Library for 33 years. She enjoyed mystery novels, tea and the Pinecrest book club. She read about 100 books a year, kept a notebook of every one, and could always name the right book for a reader of any age.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Frank. Louise is survived by her husband, Neil Example; her daughter, Katherine Model; and two grandchildren. Louise will be remembered by family and friends.

Services are private. The family thanks everyone for their kind messages and asks for privacy at this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pinecrest Public Library.

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Obituary that asks for donations instead of flowers

Warm life story tone. 176 words.

Edward Lawrence Sample of Riverton died peacefully on October 1, 2026, at the Riverton Hospice House. Edward was 76.

Edward was born on January 13, 1950, in Riverton. He graduated from Riverton High School in 1968. He married Carol Frost in 1973.

He worked as a mail carrier for 33 years and a coach for the Riverton Little League. Edward loved the Riverton Tigers, vegetable gardening and fixing anything with a handle. He coached for 18 seasons and kept every team photo on the wall of his workshop.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents. Edward is survived by his wife, Carol; his sons, Jim and Matt; and four grandchildren. Edward will be deeply missed by family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Riverton Community Center on October 8, 2026, at 11 a.m. The family asks that guests send no flowers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Riverton Hospice House, which cared for Ed during his last week.

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