Life and Love
Chelsea Marie Butler, 30, passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2015 following a long battle with cancer.
Born August 1, 1984, Chelsea lived most of her life in Muncie and Yorktown. A 2002 Yorktown High School graduate, she distinguished herself in music, art and writing. In 2007, Chelsea graduated from renowned Sullivan University, having earned a degree in culinary arts, specializing in French cuisine. Returning to Muncie, she then demonstrated her culinary skills in a number of restaurants, including The Blue Bottle. In 2009, Chelsea was diagnosed with lymphoma. During and following cancer treatments, Chelsea's interests shifted to dietetics and sustainability. She completed the necessary undergraduate courses at Ball State and was then accepted into the Ball State dietetics master's program 2013. While working on her masters, Chelsea was honored when awarded the Perham Scholarship with Distinction in Academics and Leadership. As cited in the award, Chelsea had become a "powerhouse in her advocacy of organic, local, vegan cuisine." As also cited in the award, Chelsea intended to pursue a Ph.D. in nutritional dietetics, with a focus on sustainable food systems.
However, in 2014, Chelsea learned she had spindle-cell sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. Chelsea, with the love of her life, Alan Dumond, at her side, underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, but the cancer is rare and the available treatments are inadequate.
Chelsea will be remembered for her quick wit, disarming intellect, easy smile, genuine laugh and uncompromising honesty, along with her totally unique way of approaching life, while always thinking in terms of sustainability at all levels, whether analytical, practical or political in making the planet a friendlier place for all. She was loved by so many both locally and afar.
Born August 1, 1984, Chelsea lived most of her life in Muncie and Yorktown. A 2002 Yorktown High School graduate, she distinguished herself in music, art and writing. In 2007, Chelsea graduated from renowned Sullivan University, having earned a degree in culinary arts, specializing in French cuisine. Returning to Muncie, she then demonstrated her culinary skills in a number of restaurants, including The Blue Bottle. In 2009, Chelsea was diagnosed with lymphoma. During and following cancer treatments, Chelsea's interests shifted to dietetics and sustainability. She completed the necessary undergraduate courses at Ball State and was then accepted into the Ball State dietetics master's program 2013. While working on her masters, Chelsea was honored when awarded the Perham Scholarship with Distinction in Academics and Leadership. As cited in the award, Chelsea had become a "powerhouse in her advocacy of organic, local, vegan cuisine." As also cited in the award, Chelsea intended to pursue a Ph.D. in nutritional dietetics, with a focus on sustainable food systems.
However, in 2014, Chelsea learned she had spindle-cell sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. Chelsea, with the love of her life, Alan Dumond, at her side, underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, but the cancer is rare and the available treatments are inadequate.
Chelsea will be remembered for her quick wit, disarming intellect, easy smile, genuine laugh and uncompromising honesty, along with her totally unique way of approaching life, while always thinking in terms of sustainability at all levels, whether analytical, practical or political in making the planet a friendlier place for all. She was loved by so many both locally and afar.
Chelsea Marie Butler Graduate Internship Scholarship
In 2016, Chelsea's family established the Chelsea M. Butler Graduate Internship Scholarship. During Chelsea's tenure with the nutrition program, she had to complete a nine month internship that unfortunately was in two totally different parts of the state. The formula for success in the program requires dedication, stamina, and the resources to go nine months without any income. As the founders of this memorial scholarship, we believe in Chelsea's mission to increase knowledge and awareness around nutrition. The intention of this scholarship is to help someone fulfill a dream that Chelsea had, by providing financial assistance during the internship required to obtain a nutritionist license.