Jennifer Rene Mills

Jennifer Rene Mills, 48, of Indianapolis, passed away November 30, 2023. She was born August 22, 1975 in Indianapolis to Reed and Shirley (Shackleford) Mills. She was a graduate of Noblesville High School and attended Indiana University in Bloomington, studying interior design and writing. She was employed at several local restaurants including O’Charley’s, Cattle Company, Bahama Breeze, and The Mousetrap. She was an all around employee, working as a bartender, server, manager, security, door person, and cook. Jennifer loved reading and writing poetry. She also enjoyed Building Lego, art, gardening, photography, making jewelry. She even had an article published in the Indianapolis Star about the family created by the Grateful Dead. Jennifer also had award winning photos of flowers that she photographed. She loved music in general, but enjoyed listening to live music. She toured the country following Phish, and loved The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, Beach Boys, Nine Inch Nails, Pink Floyd, Tom Petty, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Grateful Dead, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash Bruce Springsteen, Eminem, Justin Timberlake, U2, Kenny Rogers, and Drive By Truckers. She was an animal lover, especially of dogs, cats, turtles, penguins, birds, and possums. She loved bird watching, especially keeping an eye out for hummingbirds, and would always keep her bird feeders full. She would even feed the backyard squirrels daily. The only animal she was not fond of was a spider. Jennifer was the most generous person and would help anyone needing a hand. She also gave the gift of life through organ donation. She is survived by her fiance, Troy Koelsch, father Reed Mills, Jr, and step mother, Beverly Mills. She is also survived by Troy’s parents, Duke and Cindy Koelsch, brother, Ryan (Michelle) Koelsch, nieces Kenley and Makena Koelsch, dogs, Bindi and Kodiak, and Terrapin the Turtle. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley (Shackleford) Mills Stricker; grandparents, Reed and Margaret Mills; Withroe and Dorothy Shackleford; grandmother, Mildred Perisho; aunt, Nancy Shackleford, and her dogs, Taco and Barkley. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 3-7 PM followed by a Celebration of Life at 7:00 PM at Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel, 740 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. Contributions in Jennifer’s memory may be made to Indianapolis Animal Care Services or Grateful Rescue and Sanctuary.