Jill Ann Buley, 48, passed away Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester.

Jill was born Sept. 22, 1971, in Denver to Susan and Robert Micklick.

Jill grew up with her brother, John, and her parents in Conifer and Evergreen, Colorado, as well as Clear Lake and Decorah, Iowa, with many close-knit relationships to extended family and friends. Jill graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1989 and later moved with her family to Albert Lea in 1991.

There she met Paul Buley of Hollandale, and the two were married at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea on Oct. 25, 2003. The couple lived outside of Hollandale for the last 20 years.

Jill was well known to have a taste for the finer things — shoes, clothes, food and travel — but she will always be remembered for her especially kind and generous heart. She was quick to warm to new people, ideas and experiences, and made many friends. She maintained close relationships with her extended family and was fiercely loyal to those she loved, including her nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Above all, Jill loved and cared for animals. She was truly an animal whisperer. Throughout her life her homes were filled with cats and dogs of every shape and color — many of them rescues, who if they could, would tell you they were lucky to have found Jill.

Jill is survived by her husband, Paul; mother, Susan (Baker) Micklick, of Albert Lea; brother, John Istad, of Duluth; and many aunts,  uncles and cousins: Alice and Richard Vieyra of Littleton, Colorado, Lisa and Tim Haggas of Lakeworth, Florida, their daughter, Judy, and Brian Musgrave, Jade Vieyra of Denver,  Steve and Jodi Johnson and their son, Bryce, of Winter Park, Colorado, and Anne and Mike Kasper of Plainfield, Iowa.  She is also survived by her in-laws: John and Sharon Buley of Albert Lea, Jean and Scott Hanson of Brandon, South Dakota, Stacy and Jay Owens of Red Wing and her five nephews and nieces. The family would also like to acknowledge Jill’s lifelong friend, Melissa Quinlin, of Littleton and Jill’s many adored fur-babies.

Jill was preceded in death by her father, Robert Micklick; paternal grandparents John and Bertha Micklick; and maternal grandparents Steve and Emma Baker.

A memorial service is planned for the spring to allow her family time to travel and be present. Memorial gifts are preferred to the Humane Society of Freeborn County.