Jennifer Jane Shipley (Butcher) was born to Pam Hodges and Robert (Bobby) Butcher on August 15, 1982, in Hamburg, Iowa. Jen was the oldest of her siblings: Ashley, Brandy, Mckenna, and Tanner. Jen entered heaven on February 8, 2026, at the age of 43.
She grew up in southwest Iowa and graduated from Red Oak High School in 2001 and then went on to acquire her CNA/CMA shortly after graduation. In adulthood, Jen spent time in Texas and then settled in Ankeny, Iowa. On March 2, 2013, Jen married Zachery Shipley and shared 12 years of marriage creating many memories.
Jen, wife, Aunt Jen, Aunt Nin, sister, daughter, friend: these are just a few of the names she went by. No matter how you knew her, the imprint she left on your heart and life was felt. One of Jen’s proudest titles was Aunt - with eight nieces and nephews and one on the way she always made it a priority to show up for them in any way possible. You could find her cheering them on at sporting events, dropping off goodie baskets just because, and wearing specially made shirts to their first birthday. Aunt Jen and Uncle Zach could always be counted on to be there for the big and small moments. Jen was a ferocious reader, loved to cook, spoil her dog, Meiko, and could never pass up a good thrift store. Memories of her laugh, silly faces, amazing hugs, and her warm presence will be cherished forever.