Dale Lynette Stogner

Dale Lynette Stogner, 90, passed away on Wednesday morning, December 11, 2024, at her home, with her daughter, Holly by her side.

A funeral will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Davidson Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 PM prior to the funeral, at the funeral home.

Dale was born on August 28, 1934, in Salamanca, NY, to the late Nina Snow Watt and Adam Green.

Dale, a woman of deep Catholic faith and proud Native American heritage, lived a remarkable life filled with service, love, and strength. Born and raised on the Seneca Indian Reservation in Salamanca, NY, Dale was a registered Seneca Indian and a proud member of the Six Nations under the Iroquois Confederacy. She spent her early years under the loving care of her grandmother, Sarah Snow. When Sarah’s health declined, Dale went to live at the Thomas Indian School, a boarding school, where she learned resilience and independence.

Dale served her country honorably as a nurse in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, providing compassionate care to her fellow servicemen and women. After her military service, she continued her nursing career as a private duty nurse, where her expertise and kindness touched many lives. She later transitioned into careers at Kodak Film in Rochester, NY, and eventually retired from PPG Industries.

It was during her time in Rochester that Dale met the love of her life, James Albert Stogner. Together, they moved to North Carolina, where James was originally from, and built a life rooted in faith, family, and community. James preceded her in death, but their love remains a testament to the strength of their bond.

Dale’s heart belonged to her family and her Native American heritage, but her love for her grandchildren surpassed all. Known for her wit and sharp sense of humor, she had a knack for making everyone laugh with her quick comebacks and funny remarks. A "pistol" in her younger years, Dale's spirited personality softened with time, but her strength of character and independence never wavered.

She was a woman of wisdom, compassion, and unwavering determination. She could read people’s intentions with remarkable insight and was fiercely protective of her family, earning her the affectionate title of her family’s "Indian Chief." Dale was the glue that held her family together, sacrificing selflessly and guiding them with love, mercy, and grace. A single look from her was often all it took to keep everyone in line.

Dale enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. She loved to read, play cards—especially gin rummy, where she was nearly unbeatable—and spent her days playing Solitaire on her phone or computer. Even at 90 years old, she embraced social media with enthusiasm. She loved driving, listening to music, and was a devoted fan of Bob Marley.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, James; siblings, Sandy Miller, Grant Watt, and Wayne Watt; niece, Kelly Miller; and great nephew, Adam Miller.

Left to carry on her legacy are her daughters, Holly Foster (Kevin), of Lexington, and Carol Decola McDonald (Kevin), of Niskayuna, NY; grandchildren, Josh Stogner, Andrea Johnson, Lauren McKinney, Lexi Foster, and Ashlyn Foster; five bonus children on her late husband’s side whom she loved dearly; siblings, Cathy Anderson, and Marjie Jones (Fred); and many special nieces and nephews.

Dale’s life was a testament to strength, love, and service. She leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, laughter, and cherished memories that will forever inspire her family and all who knew her.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Laurie Redsicker, Mark Watt, Christal Yates, and Hospice of Davidson County.

“I love you, momma. I love you, I love you, We love you.” -Holly

“The only scars in Heaven, they won’t belong to me and you. There will be no such thing as broken, and all the old will be made new. And the thought that makes me smile now, even as the tears fall down, is that the only scars in Heaven, are on the hands that hold you now.”

-Casting Crowns