If the deceased had a significant other who was important in his life, the partner's name may be included on the list of surviving relatives. While the first phrase has always been intended for a spouse, "survived by partner Linda" has also become a suitable approach to honor an unmarried relationship. In addition, if the deceased person was a widower or divorced, then the word "wife" or "husband" should be used instead. For example, if the deceased person was a husband and the only child of his wife is alive, then an obituary would read: "John Smith died August 15, 2013 at age 70." If the deceased person was a wife and they had no children together, an obituary would read: "Mary Smith (Dumas) passed away July 9, 2013 at age 69." Finally, if the deceased person was married but had no wife or husband at their side when they died, then an obituary would read: "Arthur Jones died April 3, 2013 at the age of 76." These are just some of the many ways that people mention each other in their lives, and their deaths. As you can see, there are many different options available for how someone can be mentioned in an obituary. As long as it is done correctly, everyone will understand.