Michelle Bennett, age 55, of Roanoke, passed away on February 12, 2026, at her home.

Survivors include: daughter, Gianna Puccio (Anthony Bell) of Swansea, S.C.; two sons, Chad Mandy (Alexis) of Orlando, FL and Sean Mandy of Waco, TX; three grandchildren, Kersie Mandy, Sophia Mandy and Harrison Mandy; two sisters, Nathalie Penar of Paulding Co., GA and Catherine Early of Palm Beach Co., FL; and a brother, Patrick Hale of Paulding Co., GA.

Ms. Bennett was born on Jan. 19, 1971, the daughter of Cecil and Denise Roger Hale. She served in the United States Navy and was a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom; she later worked as a Canine Handler for the C.I.A. Outside of her family, her greatest joys were time spent with animals, mainly her horse, Breezy and her dog, Roxy. Ms. Bennett was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association. In retirement, she enjoyed her time on the farm training horses and dogs. She was preceded in death by her parents.