Dale Heffley

Seminole resident Dale Adams (Dunbar) Heffley, 90, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2026, at her home.

Dale, the daughter of Edgar and Gwendolyn (Graves) Dunbar, was born November 20, 1935, in Coventry, Rhode Island. She lived in Greene, Rhode Island, until the age of 22. During that time, she enjoyed spending time on the ocean with her father, something she loved dearly.

She later attended the University of Rhode Island and the Boston School of Dentistry. Dale married George Cotten, and together they had five children—four daughters and one son. She kept her children busy with many adventures and was known for the love she shared with them.

Later in life, she met Joe Heffley while attending EMT school. As the story goes, “I dropped my pencil and Joe picked it up—the rest is history.” They married soon after and welcomed a daughter, Danielle. Together they lived in their dream home in the country, raising their family with love and many cherished memories.

Dale enjoyed crocheting, working puzzles, watching Wheel of Fortune, and spending time Heffley with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughters, Debra Cotten and Christine Cotton; a brother, David Dunbar; and a sister, Deborah Fielder.

Dale is survived by her husband, Joe Heffley, of the home; daughters, Connie Cotten, Gwenela Cotten, and Danielle Heffley; son, Miles Cotten; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren, along with many other family members and friends.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Little Cemetery in Seminole. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole.