Jenae Anne Ridge
Jenae Anne Ridge, 31, of Muskegon, a free-spirited lover of life and devoted mother, daughter, and wife, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, in Muskegon. Jenae was born November 22, 1991, in Lansing, the daughter of Wayne and Yvonne (Hannold) Ridge. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 2009 before earning her bachelor’s degree in social work from Michigan State University in 2013. Following college graduation, Jenae led a life of adventure and travel which shaped the person she grew to be. Jenae eventually settled in Salt Lake City, Utah, a place she called home for the past seven years. Jenae was not afraid to do what made her happy, which led her to a career shift. Jenae loved the opportunity to be creative in her role as a web designer, but she found her passion in teaching and competing in competitive pole dancing. While in Utah, she met Andy Butterworth. The two started their family by bringing Aspen into the world and married on September 28, 2018.
Jenae loved the outdoors, especially camping and hiking, but more than anything else she loved being a mother. Over the past few weeks, many friends shared messages with Jenae and two common qualities kept repeating. Jenae inspired others in the way she loved her daughter. She always made time for “special play time,” even while confined to a hospital bed. Jenae was fun, patient, forgiving, and so deeply loving. Jenae also inspired everyone she met with her radiant smile and outlook on life. She lived life to the fullest and was never afraid to try new things or do what made her happy, even if they were scary.
She always saw the good in everyone she met and had the unique ability to help others see that same light in themselves. She loved to say, “We can do hard things,” which for her included skydiving, cliff diving, rock climbing, and eventually battling cancer. She was a passionate yoga and competitive pole dancing instructor. She competed out of Moxy Studio in Salt Lake City and had recently started her own studio business. She was booked out solid before she had to cancel for health reasons. Eventually, Jenae and Andy moved with their daughter, Aspen, to Muskegon, MI, to be near her family. Many will forever remember her passionate outlook on life, dedication to family, and driven personality.
Jenae is survived by her husband, Andy Butterworth; daughter, Aspen Jade Butterworth; parents, Wayne and Yvonne Ridge of Charlotte; siblings, DJ McGill of Charlotte, Eric (Morene) McGill of Charlotte, Shalyne (Sean) Harris of Twin Lake, and Hailee Ridge (Russ Werner) of Okemos; grandparents, Ron and Flora Hannold of Charlotte and Ken Ridge of Lansing; and several uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Patty Ridge.
Friends are encouraged to support Jenae’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 13, 2023 at Pioneer Park Picnic Lodge, 563 Scenic Dr., Muskegon, MI 49445-9612. Come with memories to share and dressed in color to match her shining light. Let’s celebrate her life and the positive impact she had on us all!
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Aspen Butterworth’s College Fund, in care of Susan Butterworth. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.