Melinda Mary Bennett

She was born on June 25, 1952, in San Antonio, Texas, to Joseph and Daisy Verette. Melinda graduated from Sam Houston High School in San Antonio in 1970. She later settled in La Vernia, Texas, where she lived for over 25 years and touched countless lives through her kindness, faith, and grace.

Melinda was married to the love of her life, Marvin “Benny” Hall Bennett Jr., for nearly 50 years until his passing in 2021. Together they built a life full of love, laughter, and devotion. She is survived by their two children: Paul Bennett and his wife Missy, and Robin Neugebauer and her husband Michael.

She was a devoted grandmother to eight grandchildren: Jaclyn, Anthony, Ireland, Brayden, Kailyn, Kinsey, Jayden, and Brodie, who she lovingly called her “sunshine.”

Melinda is also survived by her siblings, Carol, Robert, Betty, and Sharon. A special note of thanks goes to her sister Sharon, who lovingly sat by her side for nine days, offering countless hours of comfort, care, and unwavering support during her final days. Her presence was a true gift to both Melinda and the family.

Melinda dedicated much of her professional life to the insurance industry, retiring in 2017 as a respected senior manager at USAA. She was admired not only for her leadership but also for her strength, integrity, and compassion.

She had many talents. She was an exceptional cook, a gifted seamstress, a graceful singer, and a creative crafter/painter. She found joy in simple pleasures like playing Bingo, Pokeno, going out to eat, and, most of all, spending time with her family.

Melinda’s deep Catholic faith was central to her life. She lived with quiet strength, humility, and a spirit of service. Many who knew her said she had the heart of a nun and the grace of a saint.

“A mother is she who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take.”

Memorial services will be held at Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home on Austin Highway in San Antonio, Texas, on July 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

A private burial will follow later that afternoon with her children.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Melinda’s honor.

Moments after she passed, a bright orange butterfly appeared outside her window, as if to gently remind us that her spirit is free, her love is eternal, and she is still near.

Melinda’s life was a gift, filled with faith, tenderness, strength, and unconditional love. She was our mother, our grandmother, our sister, our friend, and now, our guardian angel.