Michelle Renae Jacobs

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Michelle R. Jacobs, who died peacefully with her family on Tuesday, July 8th, 2025, at the age of 58.

Michelle was born on November 13th, 1966, in Des Moines, IA, to Donald and Elizabeth (Erb) Butler. She married her loving husband, Douglass Jacobs, on September 9th, 2000. She worked for the Urbandale School District for over 20 years, holding the title of Site Director, running the before and after school program "Adventuretime." She took tremendous pride in her job and inspired many children and families she met along the way.

Michelle Jacobs was the strongest, most determined, and some might say the sassiest person. Her smile and unwavering positivity lit up any room. She was a devoted wife and friend to Douglass Jacobs and was a passionate, loving mother to her daughter, Makenzie, and son, Nathan. Her family was everything, and her children were her world. She was so proud of them and would talk about them every chance she could. We will forever be impressed by her strength and positivity. She was truly remarkable. She has left a lasting impression on all of our lives and many others.

Even though Michelle had a long-lasting career that she cherished, she loved her time as a swimming coach for the Northwest Swim Club and watching her children's athletic events. But her true love and passion was photography. Her photography started out as a self-taught hobby, which turned into a thriving business. She was always taking pictures, capturing the true beauty of life and those around her. She loved to create, and she always had a vision. She took great pride in turning those visions into successful DIY projects within her house. She was constantly coming up with new ideas, whether it was painting, redoing rooms, or just finding new furniture to add to her home. She made her house a home that was almost as beautiful as she was.

Michelle is survived by her husband of 25 years, Douglass Jacobs; daughter, Makenzie, and son, Nathan Jacobs of Urbandale, IA; mother, Elizabeth Butler of Ankeny, IA; brother, Brad Butler of Davenport, IA; mother-in-law, Cindy Jacobs; brother-in-law, David Jacobs; and niece, Indy Jacobs, all of Johnston, IA.

She is preceded in death by her father, Donald Butler, and father-in-law, Dennis Jacobs.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the Iles Westover Chapel in Des Moines. A celebration of life will be held sometime in the future to further celebrate Michelle. The family welcomes flowers, and in lieu of additional floral tributes, donations to the family would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.