Thursday, March 19, 2026 4:59 pm

Mary Dale Eaker, 64, of Shelby, passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

Born on August 19, 1961, in Cleveland County, she was the daughter of the late Gene Franklin Eaker and Peggy Shytle Eaker. She was a retired gardener and member of Kistler's United Methodist Church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Darrell Eaker and sister, Deborah Royster.

Dale is survived by her longtime partner, Louis Zeleskey; three daughters, Jessica Talbert and husband Daniel of Shelby, Jullia Zeleskey and fiancé Harrison Clutts of Charlotte, and Katy Barbour of Rock Hill ; two sisters, Donna Lynn of Lawndale and Deniece Land and husband Randy Cade of Shelby; brother-in-law, Edwin Royster of Lawndale; six grandchildren, Jeremiah, Isaac, Luke, Abigail, Micah and Mark and many beloved nephews and nieces.

Dale was a sweet soul known for her loving, calm presence. She was thankful for the smallest things and was completely happy to just sit and watch the deer in her backyard. She'll be remembered for her direct, amusing observations of life! She accepted everyone just as they were and gave unconditional grace no matter what. One of her favorite sayings was, "it is what it is, " acknowledging hardships and disappointments, including her own terminal diagnosis, without bitterness or despair. Summing up her own life, she said, "I've been lucky; God has always taken care of me."

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Kistler's United Methodist Church.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Kistler's United Methodist Church with the Rev. Eddie Padgett officiating.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Kistler's United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 846 Casar Lawndale Road, Lawndale, NC 28090.

Online condolences can be made at www.stameytysingerfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center-Fallston.