Dawn A. Dale's Obituary
DALE, Dawn A., age 86, of Waynesville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
Dawn was a creative spirit whose imagination, kindness, and colorful personality touched countless lives through the years. She was the founder of The Dollyologist in Waynesville, where her love for dolls, crafts, and handmade creations became a lasting part of the community and continues today. She was an artist, specifically finding a niche and comfort in textiles after her collegiate art studies. Dawn was a skillful quilter and a crafter extraordinaire who could fix anything and enjoyed doing both, oftentimes joined by her cherished quilt group. Dawn found joy in fabrics, colors, patterns, and creating beautiful things with her hands. She crafted many things, such as purses from cereal boxes, old game boards, and trash bags, turning ordinary items into something whimsical and memorable. Dawn was also an avid reader, beloved by her local library; she spent endless hours reading. Dawn was a friend to all and never ceased to leave lasting impressions on those around her. She was a superhero in her own right who always seemed to have homemade cookies waiting for family and friends, along with a warm pot of soup and an open heart. She had a gift for making life vibrant for herself and everyone she knew. Dawn was thoughtful and kind, she was humble but took pride in her donations of quilts to various originations whom supported those in need. Dawn was known as the best secret keeper and had a special way of making those around her feel loved and important. She especially loved sending cards and thoughtful “just because” gifts, with Valentine’s Day holding a particularly special place in her heart. Dawn adored vintage cards, treasured receiving and sending mail, and embraced life’s little joys and quirky passions. Dawn was both a creator and a collector. She collected many things at the loving enablement of her husband, friends, and family, such as Humpty Dumpty, Tinker Bell, Edward Tulane, cupcakes, sock monkeys, and many others that she, in jest, referred to as going on a “toot” when she participated. Dawn lived with a playful spirit that made her truly unforgettable, stating often that one ages but does not have to grow up.
Dawn was preceded in death by her soul-mate, Peter Dale, in 2017, and her parents, William and Ann Yurch-Speckerman. She is survived by her four children, Mary Dale, James Dale, Anne Medzi, Tim Dale and his wife Donna Ochmanski-Dale; sixteen grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren, with one great-grandchild on the way; along with many other loving family members and friends.
A celebration of life service will be at 2 pm on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Dawn Dale's residence, 9773 North Cincinnati Columbus Road, Waynesville, Ohio 45068. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at https://www.stubbsconner.com.
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