As part of a recent sociology study at Washington State University, we were required to write our ficticious obituaries and research future funeral costs and options available. What would our history say about us and how many generations would we out live?

My husband and I were visiting our son’s grave, when a funeral began nearby. It appeared that it was for an elderly man, his wife being helped from the limousine in tears and only a few mourners in attendance. It wasn’t a very long ceremony, but it was a hot day and the gravediggers were intent on getting their job done quickly as the mourners left the grave site. I leaned over to my husband, commenting discreetly, “You know, one of us has to die first, right?” His response was quick and not surprising. “After you”.

10 more notable people who have been reported or publicized as having died while still alive.

Notable people who have been reported as having died while still alive.