When I started Obituaries Made Simple, I had one clear mission in mind: to make it easier for families to honor their loved ones with beauty, dignity, and affordability—no matter their budget, background, or design experience. But as the business grew, I realized something else: this wasn’t just about helping grieving families. It was also about creating opportunities—opportunities for everyday people to earn meaningful income from home, to build something of their own, and to do it on their terms.
This is the story of how Obituaries Made Simple came to life… and how it can help you build a life and business that works for you, too.
Where It All Began: A Simple, Heartfelt Problem
Over the years, I saw friends, family, and community members struggle during some of the most emotional moments of their lives. The loss of a loved one already comes with so much pain—but when you add in the high cost of funerals, the stress of last-minute arrangements, and the need to pull together a meaningful service quickly, it can feel overwhelming.
One thing that always stood out to me? Families wanted keepsakes—something personal, something beautiful, something they could hold on to. They wanted funeral programs that captured their loved one’s essence. Memorial buttons to wear close to their hearts. A banner that felt more like a tribute than a decoration. But often, they didn’t know where to start… or couldn’t afford the high prices that came with professional design services.
That’s when I knew I had to do something.
I had the skills, the experience, and the heart to create something better. Something easier. Something more affordable.
The Birth of Obituaries Made Simple
I launched Obituaries Made Simple with a clear purpose:
✅ To provide professionally designed memorial templates that anyone could use
✅ To make the process simple and affordable
✅ To create keepsakes that felt personal, not generic
From funeral programs to casket panel inserts, retractable banners, buttons, and QR code memorial boards—I began building a library of beautiful, editable templates that everyday people could access, download, and customize using Canva Pro.
And let me be honest: this wasn’t just a creative project for me. It was deeply personal. I knew the power of honoring someone’s memory with intention. I knew the relief it could bring to families to have something beautiful to hand out or display during a service. And I knew how important it was to feel like you were doing right by someone you loved.
From Serving Families to Empowering Entrepreneurs
But Obituaries Made Simple didn’t stop at serving families. Something else was tugging at my heart: I knew that so many people were looking for ways to earn more income. In this economy, relying on one paycheck just isn’t enough anymore.
People are tired of feeling stuck. They want more freedom. More flexibility. More purpose in the work they do.
That’s when I asked myself:
What if this business could be a bridge—not just for families in grief, but also for people searching for a new income stream?
What if I could help people turn this into a business of their own?
So I designed Obituaries Made Simple to work for both:
- Grieving families who want affordable, meaningful keepsakes
- Aspiring entrepreneurs who want to personalize templates and build a flexible, profitable business from home
I saw this as an opportunity for people to earn income in their 5-to-9 hours—whether they were working a full-time job, caring for family, or simply looking for something more fulfilling on the side. This business model could fit into almost anyone’s lifestyle.
A Business That Gives You Your Life Back
I truly believe this business can help people create a life they don’t need a vacation from. A life where you get to:
- Work from your laptop
- Create your own schedule
- Make your own rules
- Serve your community with compassion
- Earn real income doing work that actually matters
This isn’t about hustle culture or overnight success. This is about slow, steady, sustainable growth. About building something rooted in care, integrity, and real service.
How You Can Start, Too
You don’t need to be a designer.
You don’t need a fancy website.
You don’t need a huge budget.
What you do need is the desire to serve and a willingness to learn.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Choose Your Product Focus
Start with a few key keepsakes: funeral programs, banners, memorial buttons, etc. Choose what feels manageable and meaningful to you.
2. Use Ready-Made Templates
All templates from Obituaries Made Simple are professionally designed and made for Canva Pro—which makes them easy to personalize for your clients.
Just add their loved one’s photos, name, dates, and any details they want to include. You’ll be amazed at how beautiful and professional the final results are.
3. Partner with a Local Print Shop
You don’t need to invest in expensive printers or equipment. Partner with a trusted local print shop that can handle your production—this way, you focus on what you do best: serving and designing.
4. Market Your Services
Reach out to your local community, funeral homes, or use social media. Let people know you're offering personalized memorial keepsakes. Offer samples, testimonials, or a portfolio of work to show the value you provide.
5. Price Fairly and Profitably
Start small, build confidence, and as you grow, adjust your prices to reflect the quality of your work and the value you bring. You’re not just selling a product—you’re providing comfort.
Final Thoughts: More Than a Business
Obituaries Made Simple isn’t just a template shop. It’s a mission. It’s a movement. It’s proof that with compassion, creativity, and courage—you can create something that truly matters.
Whether you’re a grieving loved one, a stay-at-home parent, a full-time employee looking for extra income, or a dreamer ready to start your own business—there’s room for you here.
You can start small.
You can start today.
And you don’t have to do it alone.
I created this business to help people heal—and to help people build.
Now I invite you to be part of that journey.