Funeral Program Examples
On this page
Traditional church funeral program
The most common shape: a Protestant service in a church, an organist, two readings, a family member speaking, and a reception in the fellowship hall afterward.
Traditional funeral program: bi-fold, 4 panels
Presbyterian church service with reception
FRONT COVER
In Loving Memory
Ruth Eleanor Danvers
March 2, 1943 – February 19, 2026
[Photograph]
Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend
INSIDE LEFT: ORDER OF SERVICE
Funeral Service for Ruth Eleanor Danvers Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Ashbury First Presbyterian Church, Ashbury, Ohio Officiating: The Reverend Carol Winslow
Prelude ........................... Marjorie Teale, organ Processional ...................... Morning Has Broken Welcome and Opening Prayer ........ Rev. Carol Winslow Old Testament Reading ............. Psalm 23, read by Grace Danvers Hymn .............................. How Great Thou Art New Testament Reading ............. John 14:1-6, read by Peter Danvers Words of Remembrance .............. Anne Danvers Whitfield, daughter Eulogy ............................ Rev. Carol Winslow Musical Selection ................. In the Garden, Chancel Choir Prayer and Benediction ............ Rev. Carol Winslow Recessional ....................... Blest Be the Tie That Binds
INSIDE RIGHT: RUTH ELEANOR DANVERS
March 2, 1943 – February 19, 2026
Ruth was born in Ashbury, Ohio, the eldest daughter of Walter and Eileen Marsden. She graduated from Ashbury High School in 1961 and from Kent State in 1965, and married Howard Danvers that August in the same sanctuary where we sit this morning.
She taught second grade at Bellview Elementary for thirty-one years. Two generations of Ashbury children learned to read at the low table by her window, and she remembered every one of their names, which she considered the least a person could do.
Ruth kept bees, made an alarming amount of rhubarb jam, and sang alto in this choir for forty-four years. She was practical, funny, and impossible to hurry.
She is survived by her husband, Howard; her children, Anne Danvers Whitfield (Ray) of Columbus and Peter Danvers (Lucia) of Ashbury; four grandchildren, Grace, Theo, Ivy and Sam; and her sister, Louise Marsden Kell. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Walter Jr.
BACK COVER
Pallbearers Theo Whitfield Sam Danvers Raymond Whitfield Douglas Kell Alan Prentice Martin Ochoa
Honorary Pallbearers The Ashbury First Presbyterian Chancel Choir
Interment Fairmount Cemetery, Ashbury, Ohio
Reception Fellowship Hall, immediately following the interment
Acknowledgement The family of Ruth Danvers thanks you for every card, every casserole and every phone call of these past ten days. Your kindness has held us up. We are grateful to Rev. Winslow, to the choir, and to the staff of Bellview Elementary for the flowers on her front step.
Arrangements entrusted to Halloway-Prentice Funeral Home, Ashbury, Ohio
Catholic funeral Mass program
A Catholic program follows the Mass rather than a free order, so the inside panels are set by the liturgy. The parish will tell you which readings have been chosen and whether words of remembrance are permitted; they usually come after the Prayer after Communion and before the Final Commendation.
Catholic funeral program: Mass of Christian Burial
Bi-fold, with the Rite of Committal on the back
FRONT COVER
The Mass of Christian Burial for
Vincent Anthony Marchetti
July 8, 1948 – April 3, 2026
[Photograph]
Saint Brigid Catholic Church Elkbridge, Pennsylvania Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
INSIDE LEFT: INTRODUCTORY RITES AND LITURGY OF THE WORD
Celebrant: The Reverend Michael Doran Deacon: Deacon Paul Ferraro Cantor: Rosa Lindquist Organist: James Neale
Greeting and Sprinkling with Holy Water Placing of the Pall Entrance Hymn ................ Be Not Afraid Opening Prayer
First Reading ................ Wisdom 3:1-9, read by Gina Marchetti Boyle Responsorial Psalm ........... Psalm 23, The Lord Is My Shepherd Second Reading ............... Romans 6:3-9, read by Anthony Marchetti Gospel Acclamation Gospel ....................... John 11:17-27 Homily ....................... Rev. Michael Doran General Intercessions ........ Deacon Paul Ferraro
INSIDE RIGHT: LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST AND FINAL COMMENDATION
Presentation of the Gifts .... Nicholas and Clare Boyle Offertory Hymn ............... Here I Am, Lord Eucharistic Prayer The Lord’s Prayer Sign of Peace Communion Hymn ............... On Eagle’s Wings Prayer after Communion
Words of Remembrance ......... Anthony Marchetti, son
Final Commendation Song of Farewell ............. May the Angels Lead You into Paradise Prayer of Commendation Recessional Hymn ............. How Great Thou Art
BACK COVER
Rite of Committal Holy Rosary Cemetery, Elkbridge, immediately following the Mass
Luncheon Saint Brigid Parish Hall, following the committal
Pallbearers Anthony Marchetti Nicholas Boyle Daniel Marchetti Ray Boyle Sal Petrosino Gregory Ahn
Vincent Anthony Marchetti, 77, of Elkbridge, was born in Scranton to Aldo and Teresa Marchetti. He served in the Army from 1968 to 1971, worked thirty-four years as a machinist at Kestrel Tool and Die, and was a member of Saint Brigid for fifty years, where he ushered at the eight o’clock Mass. He is survived by his wife, Carmela; his children, Gina, Anthony and Daniel; and nine grandchildren.
The Marchetti family thanks Father Doran, the parish staff, the Ladies of Charity and all who have prayed for Vince and for us.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
Arrangements entrusted to Bruzzese Funeral Home, Elkbridge, Pennsylvania
The full sequence, including what happens at the door of the church and why the pall is placed, is written out on the Catholic funeral Mass program page.
Homegoing service program
A homegoing program in the Black church tradition carries more on the page than most: resolutions, an acknowledgements reading, and reflections from the floor. Sunrise and sunset are used in place of the dates. The obituary is often read silently while the choir sings.
Homegoing service program
Missionary Baptist church, with repast
FRONT COVER
Celebrating the Homegoing of
Mother Lorraine Estelle Pickett
Sunrise: January 6, 1937 Sunset: May 30, 2026
[Photograph]
Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Wexford Park, Alabama
The Reverend Dr. Curtis Hollingsworth, Pastor and Eulogist
INSIDE LEFT: ORDER OF SERVICE
Processional ......................... Clergy and Family Selection ............................ Greater Bethel Mass Choir Scripture, Old Testament ............. Psalm 121, Deacon Earl Tisdale Scripture, New Testament ............. Revelation 21:1-7, Sis. Anita Roby Prayer of Comfort .................... Rev. Leon Duckworth Selection ............................ Soloist, Bro. Kenneth Pickett Reading of the Obituary .............. Read silently Acknowledgements, Cards and Resolutions ... Sis. Delores Frame Reflections .......................... Please limit remarks to two minutes Selection ............................ Greater Bethel Mass Choir Eulogy ............................... Rev. Dr. Curtis Hollingsworth Invitation and Benediction Recessional
Interment ............................ Cedar Rest Memorial Gardens Repast ............................... Fellowship Hall, following interment
INSIDE RIGHT: THE LIFE OF MOTHER LORRAINE ESTELLE PICKETT
Lorraine Estelle Tisdale was born January 6, 1937 in Wexford Park, Alabama, to the late Robert and Estelle Tisdale. She confessed Christ at an early age and joined Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful member for seventy-four years.
She married Deacon Willie James Pickett in 1956, and together they raised seven children in the house on Grandy Street. She cooked at Wexford Park Elementary for twenty-six years and fed a good many children who had not brought a lunch.
Mother Pickett served on the Usher Board for forty-one years and the Pastor’s Aid Committee for thirty. She kept a Bible on the arm of her chair, a garden in the side yard, and a standing rule that nobody left her house hungry.
She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Kenneth, Robert, Yvonne Frame, Denise Pickett-Aiyegbusi, Gerald and Loretta Sims; twenty-nine grandchildren; fifty-one great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Deacon Willie James Pickett, and her son, Michael Anthony Pickett.
BACK COVER
Pallbearers Grandsons of the family
Flower Bearers Granddaughters and Great-Granddaughters of the family
Acknowledgement The family of the late Mother Lorraine Estelle Pickett acknowledges with deep appreciation your many expressions of love, your prayers, your telephone calls, your food and your presence. Your kindness in our time of sorrow will not be forgotten. May God bless and keep each of you.
The Family
Professional Services Entrusted to Whitlow and Sons Funeral Home, Wexford Park, Alabama
More on the resolutions, the acknowledgements reading and the wording families use for each is on the homegoing service program page.
Military funeral program with honors
The service itself is ordinary; what changes is the graveside portion and the back panel. Military honors are provided at no cost for eligible veterans, and the funeral director arranges them. A funeral honors detail sounds Taps and folds and presents the flag; a rifle detail, when one is available, fires three volleys.
Military funeral program
Retired Air Force, chapel service and national cemetery
FRONT COVER
In Honored Memory of
Master Sergeant Dale Robert Kinnison United States Air Force, Retired
October 12, 1944 – March 14, 2026
[Photograph]
Havenwood Memorial Chapel Havenwood, Missouri Friday, March 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
INSIDE LEFT: ORDER OF SERVICE
Officiating: Chaplain (Lt Col) Ann Reddick, USAF, Retired
Prelude ........................... Selected music Seating of the Family Invocation ........................ Chaplain Reddick Hymn .............................. Amazing Grace Scripture ......................... Psalm 91, read by Denise Kinnison Hobbs Reading ........................... The Airman’s Creed Words of Remembrance .............. Gary Kinnison, son MSgt Ronald Vance, USAF, Retired Eulogy ............................ Chaplain Reddick Musical Selection ................. Wind Beneath My Wings Prayer and Benediction ............ Chaplain Reddick Recessional
INSIDE RIGHT: DALE ROBERT KINNISON
Dale was born October 12, 1944 in Havenwood, Missouri, to Raymond and Verna Kinnison. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1963, three weeks after finishing high school, and served twenty-two years as an aircraft maintenance superintendent, with tours at Kadena, Ramstein and Whiteman.
He married Patricia Doyle in 1968 in Havenwood. They moved eleven times in twenty-two years, and Pat never once complained where Dale could hear her.
After retiring from the Air Force in 1985 he worked another eighteen years for the Havenwood school district, keeping the buses running. He served as post commander of VFW Post 4412, taught his grandchildren to change their own oil, and never got over the fact that none of them wanted to.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Patricia; his children, Gary Kinnison (Beth) and Denise Kinnison Hobbs (Tom); five grandchildren; and his brother, Wayne Kinnison. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Carol Vance.
GRAVESIDE AT BELLCOURT NATIONAL CEMETERY
Committal Service ................. Chaplain Reddick Military Honors ................... United States Air Force Honors Team Three-Volley Salute Sounding of Taps Folding and Presentation of the Flag
Reception at VFW Post 4412 immediately following.
BACK COVER
Pallbearers Gary Kinnison Tom Hobbs Wayne Kinnison Ronald Vance Curtis Ndiaye Franklin Boyer
Acknowledgement The Kinnison family thanks the Havenwood Memorial Chapel, Chaplain Reddick, the Air Force honors team and the members of VFW Post 4412. Thank you for the casseroles, the rides, the phone calls and the stories. Dale would have said it was too much fuss. It was not.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to VFW Post 4412.
Arrangements entrusted to Havenwood Memorial Chapel, Havenwood, Missouri
Celebration of life program
Held weeks after the death, in a rented hall rather than a church, with an open microphone instead of a set list of speakers. The program is shorter and the language is looser. Notice that it tells people what will be asked of them, which is the kindest thing a celebration-of-life program can do.
Celebration of life program
Non-religious, held six weeks after the death
FRONT COVER
A Celebration of the Life of
Marisol Reyna Ocampo
1968 – 2026
[Photograph]
Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The Wren Harbor Boathouse Wren Harbor, Oregon
INSIDE LEFT: THIS AFTERNOON
Gathering and Music ............ Marisol’s own playlist, in her own order Welcome ........................ Danny Ocampo, her brother Marisol’s Story ................ Priya Raghunathan A Reading ...................... Crossing the Bar, by Alfred, Lord Tennyson read by Nina Ocampo Open Microphone ................ Anyone who would like to say something Music .......................... Live, by the Harbor Street Trio A Toast ........................ Danny Ocampo Closing Words .................. Nina Ocampo
Please stay afterward. There is food, there is a table of photographs by the windows, and there is a book to write in if you would rather not speak in front of everyone. Marisol would have understood that completely.
INSIDE RIGHT: ABOUT MARISOL
Marisol grew up in Wren Harbor and never seriously considered leaving. She was a marine biologist by training and a boat mechanic by temperament, and she spent twenty-six years at the Coastal Research Station counting things in the water that most people never think about.
She had a laugh you could hear from the parking lot. She fed everyone. She took in three dogs that nobody else wanted, and named all of them after ships.
She is survived by her daughter, Nina; her brother, Danny; her mother, Reyna Ocampo; and about half the town.
Things Marisol loved: low tide · her mother’s pozole · Thursday trivia at the Anchor · the Portland Trail Blazers, painfully · gray weather · arguing about tide charts · Nina · a full moon on a flat sea · anyone who showed up on time
BACK COVER
Thank you The Ocampo family thanks everyone who has called, cooked, driven, sat, and simply shown up since April. It has meant more than we managed to say at the time.
In place of flowers The Wren Harbor Coastal Research Station has set up a small fund in Marisol’s name for the summer student program. She would have preferred that to almost anything.
Share a photograph or a story Leave it in the book on the table by the windows, or send it to the family. We are collecting them for Nina.
Tennyson’s Crossing the Bar is in the public domain and can be printed in full inside the program if you want it. More readings that are free to reproduce are on funeral poems, and further worked examples of this kind of gathering are on celebration of life program examples.
Graveside program on a single sheet
For a committal with twenty people standing in a cemetery, a folded booklet is more than the occasion needs. One card, printed both sides, is enough, and it can be produced and printed the same morning.
Graveside service program
One 5.5 x 8.5 card, printed both sides
FRONT
In Memory of
Arthur Nils Bergstrom
August 30, 1931 – July 2, 2026
[Photograph]
Graveside Service Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Pine Hollow Township Cemetery Pine Hollow, Michigan
BACK
Order of Service
Words of Welcome ......... Pastor Elaine Sorenson Scripture ................ Psalm 121 Remembrances ............. Karl Bergstrom and Ingrid Bergstrom Lane Prayer ................... Pastor Sorenson Committal ................ Pastor Sorenson Closing .................. A moment of silence
Arthur Nils Bergstrom, 94, spent his whole life within nine miles of this cemetery. He ran the hardware store on Cedar Street for forty-one years, married Marta Lindholm in 1955, and could fix anything except a marriage argument, which he simply waited out. He is survived by his children, Karl and Ingrid, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
The family thanks you for standing here with us this morning. Please join us for coffee at the house afterward.
Nordquist Funeral Home, Pine Hollow, Michigan
Adapting one of these to your service
Pick the example closest to your service and work down it from the cover. Do not start rewriting sentences. Change the facts and leave the connecting phrases alone. They are already right, and rewriting them at midnight is how a program takes four hours instead of twenty minutes.
What to replace, in order
- The name on the cover · as people said it, including the nickname if there was one
- The two dates · check both against the funeral home paperwork
- Service day, date, time, venue, city and state
- The officiant’s name and title · spelled the way they spell it
- Every line of the order of service · confirmed with the officiant, not from memory
- Hymn and song titles, and who is performing each
- Readers and the exact passages
- The obituary · 250 to 350 words for one panel
- Pallbearers, first and last names, and honorary pallbearers
- Interment and reception details
- The acknowledgement paragraph · name the specific people who helped
- The funeral home credit line
The parts worth slowing down for
Two things on a program get noticed when they are wrong. The first is a misspelled surname in the pallbearer list. Read every proper noun aloud from a printed proof, with a second person listening. The second is a service time that changed after you sent the file to print. Confirm the start time on the day you print, not the day you wrote it.
You are allowed to do less than these examples show
These are full programs because they have to demonstrate the whole format. Yours does not need a poem, a second photograph, a list of honorary pallbearers, or a life story with four paragraphs in it. The name, the dates, the order of the service and a line of thanks is a complete program. If you have one hour and three other things to do, print that and go do the other three.
To build one of these without laying out the panels yourself, answer a few questions and Reposa produces the print-ready file, including the matching prayer cards. If you would rather do it by hand, start from the fill-in-the-blank templates and check the panel measurements on funeral program format.
Common questions
Can I copy one of these funeral program examples?
How long should the obituary in a program be?
Do I have to list pallbearers in the program?
What goes on the back of a funeral program?
Should the program say where the reception is?
What if we do not know the order of service yet?
Keep reading
- Funeral Program TemplatesBuild a funeral program from a guided template instead of reformatting a Word file. Eight coordinated designs, bi-fold, tri-fold and booklet.
- Funeral Program FormatExactly what goes on the front cover, inside left, inside right and back panel of a funeral program, for bi-fold, tri-fold and booklet.
- Funeral Program WordingCover lines, section headings, acknowledgement paragraphs and closing wording for a funeral program. More than sixty examples to borrow.
- Canva Funeral Program TemplatesAn honest guide to making a funeral program in Canva: which templates to pick, the free-versus-Pro traps, and how to export a file a print shop will accept.