Jennifer Lee Hoyem Butler
June 26, 1974 – September 15, 2024
Jennifer Lee Hoyem Butler, a beloved daughter, wife, sister, aunt, friend, and colleague, passed away on September 15, 2024, surrounded by her family. Born on June 26, 1974, in Prineville, Oregon, to Dennis R. and Cathleen J. (Rickman) Hoyem, she was the younger sister of Steven and lived a life rich in service, adventure, and love.
Jennifer spent her early years in Pinedale, Wyoming, and then her elementary school years in Miles City and Fort Peck, Montana before moving to Boise, Idaho, in sixth grade and graduating from Boise High School.  After studying in Pocatello, working in Micronesia, Nye, Montana, and Las Vegas, she returned to Boise, calling it home for the last two decades of her life. The Rickman family ranch in Montana was a treasured homebase from her earliest days and will be her final resting place.
A lifelong learner, Jennifer's passion for teaching and literacy was evident from an early age. From earning her undergraduate degree in education from Idaho State University (ISU) to earning a master's degree in education from Boise State University (BSU), she continuously helped children and adults learn to read, including her nieces and nephews. She left a lasting impact on countless students all around the world, first as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Federated States of Micronesia, then at Kenny Guinn Middle School in Las Vegas, and finally in Boise teaching at the Huntington Learning Center, ESL classes at the College of Western Idaho, and as a volunteer at Learning Lab.
Jennifer's curiosity to explore the world started with an exchange student from Japan as a Boise High School sophomore. Whether snorkeling off the Galapagos Islands, exploring the Highlands of Scotland, or visiting friends in Australia, she immersed herself in the culture, food, and local traditions of the many exotic locales she visited across 30 countries. She was also a fan of exploring the beautiful outdoors across the western United States, with favorite haunts including summers at Ashley Lake in Montana, the coast of Oregon, hiking the High Sierra loop in Yosemite, and countless visits throughout the seasons to Yellowstone and 17 other national parks.
As much as Jennifer loved to explore, she was equally dedicated to her career. She wasn't just an employee; she was a force to be reckoned with, enforcing ethical standards and working to encourage others to be their best. Upon returning to the US from the Peace Corps, she worked and lived at a man camp in Nye, MT.  Cooking and caring for homesick miners, Jennifer was quickly promoted to office manager at the Thyssen Mining Company.  After several years of teaching seventh grade in Las Vegas, she pivoted her career and proudly went to work as a civil servant, with a heart for social justice. She worked for the City of Boise in police oversight for 10 years, investigating complaints of police misconduct and auditing internal affairs investigations. She then went to work for the Idaho Department of Education for a decade, conducting audits of the US Department of Agriculture's school meal programs and becoming an ardent advocate for addressing food insecurity and child nutrition.
Jennifer's dedication to her community was only matched by her devotion to her family. She was an admired little sister, caring daughter, and beloved cousin and sister-in-law. She was also the loving wife of Cory Butler. After meeting in Mrs. Stepp's seventh grade reading class at East Junior High, they developed a deep friendship nurtured by a shared passion for letter writing, outdoor experiences, and embracing all that life has to offer. They were married at the family ranch on June 21, 2003, and celebrated 38 years of friendship and 21 years of marriage this past June. As an aunt to Greer, Marit, Beth, Chris, Joss, and Ella, and godmother to Taylor, Samantha, Sawyer, Emma, Moriah, and Taylor there were many in the next generation whom she loved with equal parts sympathetic listener, supportive mentor, trusted counsel, and motherly advisor. Her nieces, nephews, and godchildren all carry on her joyful spirit.
Jennifer leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and learning, her creative ABC annual holiday letters, as well as collections of artifacts that represent her extraordinary life and spirit. Her stories, her adventures, and her zest for life will continue to inspire those who were lucky enough to know her. Whether in person or through phone calls, emails, or text messages, Jen continued to generously bless all of those around her, spending her final weeks laughing, crying, sharing memories, and reconnecting with family members and friends from throughout her 50 years.
Jennifer is survived by her loving husband Cory, her parents Dennis and Cathy Hoyem, mother-in-law Susan Butler, brother Steve Hoyem, sisters-in-law Kirsten (Dan) Haney and Carrie (Ty) Gabby, Lara Hoyem, Jessica Evert, nephews Christopher Haney, Joss Hoyem, and nieces Greer Hoyem, Elizabeth Haney, Marit Hoyem, and Ella Jenveja.
We would like to thank Ancora Hospice and Palliative care, family and friends for their loving support.
A celebration of life will be held at the Barber Park Education and Events Center on November 3, 2024 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jennifer's honor to the Learning Lab, Life's Kitchen, the Little Free Library, or the charity of your choice.