Short Obituary Examples — 15 Templates Under 200 Words

Margaret "Maggie" Louise Thompson, 92, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born on June 3, 1933, Maggie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who spent 40 years as a beloved elementary school teacher. She was famous for her apple pie, her infectious laugh, and her ability to make every child in her classroom feel special. She is survived by her three children, David, Susan, and Karen; eight grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, in 2019. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 15, at 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cedar Rapids Public Library.

Harold Eugene "Gene" Patterson, 88, of Savannah, Georgia, died on February 8, 2026. Gene was born in 1937 and spent his career as a postal carrier, walking the same route for 35 years — and knowing every dog's name on it. He loved fishing, college football, and telling the same five jokes to anyone who would listen. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy; his sons, Gene Jr. and Michael; and six grandchildren. Services will be private. The family asks that you honor Gene by telling someone a bad joke today.

Eleanor "Ellie" Rose Whitfield, 95, passed away on February 12, 2026, in Portland, Oregon. Ellie was a painter, gardener, and lifelong reader who believed every day deserved a cup of tea and a good book. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Anne; her grandchildren, James and Laura; and her cat, Mr. Darcy. A private memorial will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be sent to the Oregon Humane Society.

Tyler James Okafor, 24, of Austin, Texas, passed away unexpectedly on February 5, 2026. Tyler was a recent graduate of the University of Texas, where he studied computer science and was known for his quick wit and generous spirit. He loved hiking, live music, and building apps that made people's lives easier. Tyler's smile could light up any room, and his kindness touched everyone who knew him. He is survived by his parents, David and Amara Okafor; his sister, Zoe; and his girlfriend, Mia Chen. A memorial service will be held February 12 at 11:00 AM at Riverbend Church, Austin. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Sophia Grace Reeves, 17, of Bend, Oregon, passed away on February 7, 2026. Sophia was a junior at Summit High School, where she was a star on the soccer team and an honors student. She had dreams of becoming a veterinarian and spent weekends volunteering at the local animal shelter. Her laughter was contagious, her compassion boundless. Sophia is survived by her parents, Mark and Jennifer Reeves; her brother, Ethan; and her golden retriever, Biscuit. A celebration of Sophia's life will be held February 14 at 3:00 PM at Summit High School gymnasium. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bend Humane Society.

Colonel Richard "Rick" Alan Davis, USAF (Ret.), 79, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away on February 9, 2026. Rick served 30 years in the United States Air Force, including tours in Vietnam and Desert Storm, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star. After retiring, he volunteered with Veterans of Foreign Wars and coached Little League baseball. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his children, Scott, Lisa, and Amy; and nine grandchildren. Full military honors will be rendered at a service on February 16 at 10:00 AM at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery. Memorial donations may be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project.

James "Jimmy" Lee Kowalski, 83, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away February 11, 2026. Jimmy served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and rarely spoke of it — though his family knew it shaped the quiet, steady man he became. He worked 40 years at the Harley-Davidson plant, bowled on Thursday nights, and never missed a Packers game. He is survived by his children, Tom, Mary, and Diane; seven grandchildren; and his beloved dog, Sarge. Visitation will be held February 15 from 4-7 PM at Krause Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, raise a cold one in Jimmy's honor.

Ruth Ann Blessing, 76, of Nashville, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord on February 6, 2026. Ruth was a woman of deep faith who served as a deaconess at Grace Baptist Church for over 30 years. She sang in the choir, led Bible study groups, and opened her home to anyone in need of a warm meal and a listening ear. She is survived by her husband, Pastor William Blessing; their four children; and eleven grandchildren. A homegoing service will be held February 13 at 11:00 AM at Grace Baptist Church. "Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

Samuel "Sam" Goldberg, 81, of Boca Raton, Florida, passed away on February 10, 2026. Sam was a retired accountant, devoted husband, and proud grandfather. He was a longtime member of Temple Beth El, where he served on the board and organized the annual Purim carnival. Sam loved crossword puzzles, deli sandwiches, and debating politics with anyone brave enough to try. He is survived by his wife, Miriam; his sons, David and Jonathan; and five grandchildren. Funeral services will follow Jewish tradition. Shiva will be observed at the family home. Donations in Sam's memory may be made to Hadassah. May his memory be a blessing.

Diana Lynn Archer, 68, of Portland, Oregon, died peacefully on February 8, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Diana was a landscape architect who believed the natural world was the closest thing to magic. She spent her weekends hiking Forest Park, tending her garden, and hosting potlucks that always ran past midnight. Diana is survived by her partner of 30 years, Karen Wells; her daughter, Lily Archer-Wells; and her sister, Janet. A gathering of friends and family will take place February 22 at Hoyt Arboretum. In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree.

Martin Joseph Crane, 73, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, passed away on February 4, 2026. Martin was a retired philosophy professor who spent his life asking big questions and was content never finding all the answers. He wrote three books, traveled to 40 countries, and made the best homemade pasta this side of the Rio Grande. He is survived by his wife, Elena; his son, Leo; and his daughter, Stella. No formal service will be held. Instead, the family invites you to sit under a clear night sky, look up, and wonder — the way Martin always did.

Frank W. Dooley, 71, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, has finally stopped arguing with the TV. Frank passed away on February 9, 2026, and is no doubt already reorganizing heaven's garage. A retired electrician, Frank could fix anything except his own stubbornness. He loved cold beer, hot wings, and his wife — in that order, according to him, but everyone knew better. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Linda, who he claimed was "always right"; his children, Mike, Chris, and Kelly; and seven grandchildren who will miss his $5 birthday checks. Services will be held February 14 at noon. Casual attire encouraged — Frank would have wanted it that way.

Barbara Jean "Babs" McAllister, 84, of Boise, Idaho, passed away February 11, 2026, with her trademark lipstick still perfectly applied. Babs was a retired hairdresser who never met a stranger and never let anyone leave her chair without looking fabulous. She loved soap operas, slot machines, and telling her grandchildren embarrassing stories about their parents. She is survived by her daughter, Tammy; her son, Brad; five grandchildren; and her poodle, Fifi. Visitation will be held February 16. In lieu of flowers, Babs would prefer you get a really good haircut.

WILLIAMS, Robert H. — Age 77, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away February 10, 2026. Beloved husband of Carol. Devoted father of Brian and Michelle. Retired engineer at Wright-Patterson AFB. Services February 15 at 10 AM, Newcomer Funeral Home. Condolences at newcomerfunerals.com.

CHEN, Mei-Ling, 69, of San Francisco, California, passed away peacefully February 7, 2026. Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Mei-Ling immigrated to the U.S. in 1980 and built a beloved dumpling shop in the Richmond District that became a neighborhood institution. She is survived by her husband, Wei; her children, Grace and Andrew; and four grandchildren. Memorial service February 20 at 1 PM, Chinese Community Center, Clement Street. In lieu of flowers, please enjoy a good meal with someone you love.