Writing an obituary for someone who lived close to the land is different from writing one for most people. Their life had its own rhythm — seasons instead of a calendar, a herd instead of a career ladder, a handshake instead of a contract. A good obituary for a cowboy or rancher should sound like that life, not like a form letter.
These examples are here to give you a starting structure and a sense of tone — not to be copied word for word. Each one is written for a different kind of western life, because a rancher's obituary and a rodeo cowboy's obituary don't read quite the same way.
Building the program itself? Our Cowboy Rides Away and Open Range Memorial Suites are Canva-editable, western-styled designs with space for the obituary alongside their photo and service details.
A Rancher's Life
Robert "Bob" William Hensley, 74, of Larimer County, passed away peacefully at his home on the ranch he'd worked for over fifty years, surrounded by his family.
Bob was born on the same land he would spend his life working, the third generation to run the Hensley family ranch. He took over full-time operations at twenty-two after his father's passing, and never once considered doing anything else with his life.
He married his high school sweetheart, Carol, in 1974, and together they raised three children and a whole lot of cattle. Bob served on the county cattlemen's association for over two decades and was known throughout the valley for his fairness, his handshake deals, and his willingness to help any neighbor who needed a hand at branding time.
He is survived by his wife, Carol; children Michael, Sarah, and Tom; seven grandchildren; and the ranch that will carry his name for generations to come. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James.
A memorial service will be held at the ranch he loved. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Larimer County Cattlemen's Scholarship Fund.
The Rodeo Cowboy
James "Jimmy" Earl Whitaker, 52, of Elko County, passed away doing what he loved — spending the morning on horseback — on the ranch where he'd worked for the last fifteen years.
Jimmy spent his twenties chasing the circuit, competing in saddle bronc and team roping events across the western states. He qualified for regional finals three times and, though he never chased the big buckle the way some do, he'd tell you those years were the best of his life. He knew every arena between Elko and Cheyenne by heart.
When his knees finally told him it was time to hang it up, Jimmy didn't slow down — he just traded the arena for full-time ranch work, and spent the next two decades training horses and mentoring younger cowboys coming up through the same circuit he once rode. Half the young hands in the county learned to rope from Jimmy Whitaker.
He is survived by his mother, Ruth; his sister, Donna; and more friends across the rodeo circuit than could ever fit in one arena. He was preceded in death by his father, Earl.
A celebration of life will be held at the county fairgrounds, where Jimmy competed more times than anyone can count. Come in your boots.
A Simple, Traditional Example
Thomas Edward Briggs, 68, of Custer County, passed away on [date] at [location].
Thomas was born on [date] to [parents' names]. He spent his career working as a ranch hand and horseman across several outfits in the region, known for his steady hand and quiet dependability. He married [spouse's name] in [year], and they made their home in [town].
He is survived by [list of survivors]. He was preceded in death by [list].
A service will be held on [date] at [location]. In lieu of flowers, the family requests [donation preference].
A Rancher's Wife and Working Partner
Margaret "Peggy" Anne Coulter, 79, of Fremont County, passed away surrounded by her family at the ranch she and her late husband built together over fifty-six years of marriage.
Peggy grew up in town, the daughter of a schoolteacher, and nobody expected her to fall in love with ranch life the way she did. She married Hank Coulter in 1968, and from the very first year worked the operation right alongside him — keeping the books, running cattle, and raising four children who all learned to ride before they could properly walk.
After Hank's passing in 2009, Peggy ran the ranch herself for three more years before handing the reins to her son, though she never stopped showing up to check on things right up until the end. She was active in the local grange for over forty years and known for a chili recipe nobody could ever quite replicate, no matter how many times she wrote it down for them.
She is survived by her children, Linda, Robert, Susan, and Mark; eleven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hank, and her parents.
A funeral service will be held at First Community Church, followed by burial at the family plot on the ranch. The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Fremont County Grange.
Tips for Writing a Cowboy or Rancher Obituary
A good obituary doesn't need to cover everything — it needs to sound like the person. A few things that help:
Lead with what mattered, not just the facts. "Passed away doing what he loved" or "on the ranch she built" says more than a bare date and time.
Include one specific detail that only applies to them. A chili recipe, a favorite horse, a particular arena — specificity is what separates a real obituary from a template.
Don't feel obligated to list every job or achievement. A life well lived doesn't need a resume — pick the two or three things that actually mattered to them.
The survived-by list matters more than it might seem. Take the time to get names, spellings, and relationships right — families notice, and they'll keep this obituary for years.
It's okay to let some personality through. A phrase like "come in your boots" or a warm detail about their humor isn't unprofessional — it's what people will remember.
Once you have the words, our Cowboy Rides Away and Open Range Memorial Suites give you a program built to hold them — Canva-editable, with space for their photo, service details, and the obituary itself.
Looking for something to read at the service instead? You may find our Poems for a Cowboy or Rancher's Funeral Program helpful too.
Sending comfort as you honor a life well lived. — Noted & Charmed