Gina Ann Shiplett

Gina Ann Shiplett, age 66, passed away at her residence in Thornville, Ohio, on July 23, 2025, just two days before her 67th birthday. She was born Gina Ann Binkley on July 25, 1958, in Columbus, Ohio.

Gina became a nurse through the United States Army in 1984 and proudly served as an LPN. She continued in civilian nursing for many years, ultimately stepping away from the profession in 2014. After leaving nursing, she worked for the United States Postal Service, continuing a lifetime of dedication to service and hard work.

In 1991, Gina purchased the land that would become her forever home—a peaceful farm in Thornville, Ohio, where she spent more than three decades creating a sanctuary filled with animals, memories, and meaning. It was her happy place, and outside of her children and her fiancé, it remained one of the things she was most proud of. She found quiet joy in caring for the land—rescuing animals, tending to her gardens, and building a life rooted in peace.

Gina and her fiancé (husband), Jerry “JT” Tolson, shared a devoted partnership for 15 years. Since 2010, JT stood faithfully by her side—offering love, laughter, and daily companionship. Together they filled the farm with rescue animals, including horses, dogs, cats, and even the occasional possum that wandered by. The quiet life they built was rooted in love and shared purpose.

She is survived by her fiancé, JT; her daughters, Cassie Seum, Melissa Flynn, and Olivia Shiplett; her grandchildren, Hallie Seum (Nick Gray), Lonna Flynn, Kirsten Klem, Cadence Calendine, and Makenna Flanery; and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Tanya (Scott) Ingle and Ricky (Mindy) Binkley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Ruth Ann Binkley; her siblings, Rocky Binkley, Tina Clark, and Susie Colgan; and her son-in-law, Jason Calendine.

Gina was a lifelong animal lover, a passionate rescuer, a believer in kindness, and a steady source of encouragement to her family. She never missed a chance to comment on her loved ones’ Facebook posts, reminding them to cherish each other and hold tight to the moments that matter. Her gentle check-ins during bad weather, her voice in family group chats, and her holiday presence will be deeply missed.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no public service or viewing. Gina chose to be remembered in life—not in death—and requested cremation with her ashes to be handled privately at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Gina’s memory are invited to support the care of the animals she and JT rescued and loved together. JT remains on the farm, tending to the many horses, dogs, and cats they devoted their lives to—ensuring each one continues to be safe, loved, and home. If you’d like to support the care of Gina’s animals, please contact the family privately for guidance on how to help.

Her legacy lives on in the strength of her daughters, the love of her grandchildren, the steady devotion of her fiancé JT, and the peaceful land she poured her heart into for over three decades.

The Thornville chapel of Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to care for Gina and her family.