How would you want your obit to read? This one is disgusting.

[Gerania]

She had a weird sense of humor, the patience of Job--though she did get riled up once in a while--and loved the hair off of everyone and everything important to her. We'll miss the old broad.

Who cares where I went to school or what I did for a living? Does anyone want to know that I was an avid gardener and volunteer? If they do, they have too much time on their hands.

[suzy_q2010]

Originally Posted by Murk

I agree. I really never understood what the point of obituaries are. When someone dies, their family and friends find out relatively soon. Who else would or should care enough to read about their life and how many family members are still alive?

Genealogists a few generations from now!

[Delahanty]

I don't consider that in the same category as a family's obituary that's posted in the death notices.

Newspaper articles on the deaths of celebrities often comment on controversies and odd facts.

[banjomike]

I could care less about what they say about me, but I sure would like to be laid to rest with the racket of a big all-banjo band leading the cortege. The best funeral I could wish for would be a good jam session with a bottle passed around to loosen everyone up.

I want to go out with a twang, not a whimper.

[Yakscsd]

Originally Posted by galaxyhi

Simple: There has to be "public notification" of a death, preferably in the newspaper. That is so ANYONE who may have a claim against the estate will be "notified of the death" and can proceed accordingly.

Maybe somewhere, but not in any state I have ever lived. Many newspapers now charge you to insert an obit, but you certainly have no obligation to have one. That is seperate from an official notice of death that may also be required for creditors. I think the obituary is simply a carryover from the days when you knew everyone in the community, but had no other media outlets, and really cared if Bobby Joe died.

[415_s2k]

I think some people need to gain senses of humor...