Visitation
Committal
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.
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I have many fond memories of my cousin Penny. So many wonderful Christmas and summer vacations spent together in NC. Many, many spiritual discussions about who God is and can we really know Him and His purpose for our lives. Penny understood the "ethos" of life and she is now basking in the radiance of her Lord and Savior. We all return to dust. But, those in Christ, are beloved dust. The old is gone; the new has come. Penny knew what was waiting for her in glory, and that she was held by heaven.
Ooh how i miss my Friend, Penny! I lived across the hall from her for 9 years. Often she knocked on my door and I on her's and stand outside her door in the hall talking for a minute or so! We discussed many topics. Penny was such a great person. Always kind! She loved The Lord! I felt i had to watch out for Penny even tho and not to take anything from her helpers but I was determined to be there for her when no one was around to help take care of her! Penny i miss you so much! I hate you had to go, my heart is sad but I know it was best for you my friend! I don't think I've been the same since you left! I found myself walking up to your door but it wouldn't open! I've never gotten attached to anyone but for some reason Penny and I became close from day one! Well one day Penny we will meet again! In our Fathers Kingdom and what a time that will be! Good bye my friend! I know you are healed and well now. You are where you talked about being so often! With our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! -your friend and neighbor Frances Othella Edwards
Cousin Penny and I had such wonderful distant phone conversations these past few years! A lot of our discussion included talks about our wonderful Savior and what we were currently studying in the Bible. I'll miss her and our talks. So thankful she's with her heavenly Father.
Death leaves a heartache, love leaves a memory. May her family and friends find comfort in those memories as she rests in the comfort of God's embrace.
Rest in peace
Beautiful Penny was one of the sweetest souls I ever met. She possessed an angelic innocence that made you want to hug her when you saw her. Condolences to her family at this sad time, but be comforted that she now awaits us in Heaven.
My condolences to the family of my high school friend. See you again one day soon my dear friend.
Condolences 💔🙏
Penny was a very dear and special friend to me for many years. I helped take care of her when she needed things. I enjoyed spending time with her. Taking her to church at St. Matthews. She loved our Pastor Jacob. I took her to the grocery store every week. Then, her special treat was to get a large Chocolate milkshake. She enjoyed going out for lunch after church also. I will truly miss having Penny in my life.