Penelope Ruth Dale

Penelope Ruth Dale, 66, passed away peacefully at AMOREM Hospice in Valdese on December 4, 2025, after a long battle with dementia.

Born to Wheeler Dale and Gernell Hudson Dale, Penny grew up in Morganton, North Carolina, and attended Freedom High School, graduating in 1977. She later studied at Queens College and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, earning degrees in Business and English.

Penny was a lifelong animal lover. In her early years she rode horses, especially her beloved Sligo, and volunteered with animal organizations throughout Burke and McDowell Counties. She also found great companionship in her cat, Precious, who lived with her for six years and has since been placed with a loving family friend.

Faith was an important anchor for Penny. She was a member of Saint Matthews United Methodist Church for the last five years and previously worshipped at First Baptist Church of Morganton and Grace Episcopal Church.

Over her lifetime, Penny worked at the Hickory Daily Record and Southern Devices, where she found fulfillment in the routine and purpose her work provided.

Penny is survived by her brother, Wheeler Dale, and his wife, Amy, of Corvallis, Oregon; her sister, Caroline Dale, and her husband, Kenneth Rothfield, of Flower Mound, Texas; her nephew, Alexander Rothfield, and her nieces, Emma and Madeline Rothfield, all of New York City; her maternal aunt and uncle, Annie Jean and Harold Ray of Madison, Alabama; and numerous cousins who will remember her with affection.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00p.m., Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Saint Matthews United Methodist Church.

Memorial gifts may be sent to Saint Matthews United Methodist Church, 201 Shady Rest Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.