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 2000 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, 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.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Zachery Shipley and their dog Meiko; mother, Pam Hodges; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Marcia and Jeff Shipley; sister, Ashley Kuhlman and husband Kendall and their sons Devon and Gage; sister, Brandy Rouse and husband Nate and their children Jacob, Paisley, and Maverick; sister, McKenna Lathrop and husband Chris and their son Tate; brother, Tanner Mertz; uncle, Mike Squires; grandmother, Mary Squires; sister-in-law, Emilie and husband Travis Dolphin and their children Evan and Olivia. She was welcomed in heaven by grandfather, Art Squires; father, Robert (Bobby) Butcher; and eldest brother, Christopher who passed in infancy.
A celebration of life funeral service for Jen will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Nishna Valley Funeral and Cremation Service in Shenandoah with Pastor Lori Lathrop officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends with visitation and viewing one hour prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 pm Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials in Jen's name are being directed to the family for designation. The family would like those attending to dress casual and wear Hawkeye or green clothing in honor of Jen.
