The Emily Depke Butterfly Memorial will be located inside Murray State University’s Doran Arboretum, alongside a new butterfly trail being developed within the Arboretum. Groundbreaking for the trail and Emily’s memorial is anticipated for Fall 2026, with tentative completion by Summer 2027. Sign up for our newsletter below to follow the memorial as it comes to life.

​

Her memorial will feature a custom butterfly sculpture and bench created by local artists, surrounded by curated gardens of wildflowers and young trees nestled among the Arboretum’s existing magnolias. It will be a place for the community to sit, marvel, and remember Emily as the beautiful, kind, carefree soul she was — and to hold close all those taken far too soon.

​

This memorial is the heart of Emily’s legacy — a living space where her spirit flutters on, inspiring courage, healing, and maybe even a little hope. A place to remember that creating positive change means being brave enough to do the hard things.

​

Explore the paths below to contribute, sign up for our newsletter, or learn more about the Doran Arboretum.

​

Image above: Memorial concept image. Final design is in development.