Other obits list a spouse and children from a second marriage, followed by children from a first marriage, and the deceased’s siblings.

He survives, as does their daughter (name) and four grandchildren.” She was married to her second husband (name) in 1981. I’ve seen obituaries that say something like, “Survivors include one child (name), from her first marriage to (name). Some obituaries mention ex-spouses, ex-in-laws, step parents and/or siblings - and others do not.

In practice, a survivor can be anyone the grieving family says he/she is, and it can get very complicated. Most of us think of “survivors” as closest kin, but that leaves a lot of leeway in these days of blended families and serial marriages. Are there any guidelines about mentioning survivors in an obituary? Should an ex-spouse of the deceased be listed - and if so, what wording should be used? How about step-parents and step-siblings, or in-laws?