Michelle Benedict

Michelle "Micki" Benedict

1949-2026

Michelle "Micki" Louise Richmann Benedict passed away from a brief illness on February 15, 2026 at the age of 76. Micki was born in Bradford, Iowa on July 23, 1949 to Melvin and LaVelle Richmann. She attended elementary school in Bradford. Her family moved to Iowa Falls where she finished school as a proud Cadet. She had her first daughter, Kara, in 1967 who she lovingly placed for adoption. She met Jim Pearson in 1974 in Iowa City. They relocated to Sheridan, MT shortly after they met and were married. They welcomed their daughter, Abby, in 1979. Micki worked many jobs but particularly enjoyed her time at the Sheridan Schools office, as the Madison County Treasurer and at JDL Construction. She was a Panther through and through, cheering on Abby through her years at Sheridan Schools from kindergarten through high school graduation. She especially loved supporting the Ruby Valley Swimming Pool and playing golf at Madison Meadows. She and Jim lived a wonderful life in Sheridan until Jim's passing in 2001. Micki reacquainted with John Benedict and they married in 2004. Micki and John had many adventures together, from rafting the Salmon River to road tripping to Las Vegas and the midwest to boat trips on Lake Havasu and in the Mediterranean. Their most recent trip was taking a ferry boat to Alaska. Micki loved to play poker, scrabble and gin rummy. She adored her grandchildren and her brothers. In 2008, Micki enjoyed an intimate reunion with Kara. Micki was a dedicated Virginia City community member, volunteering for several organizations over the years, notably the Virginia City Elks Lodge #390 and St. Paul's Episcopal Church vestry. She was a friend to all and will be missed by many.

She is survived by her husband John Benedict, brother Marc Richmann, daughter Abby (Andy) Thomas, daughter Kara Johnson, niece Sara (John) Whitehead, stepson Brian (GeeHae) Benedict, stepdaughter Michelle (Ryan) Davidson and her grandchildren Ellen and Roland Thomas, and Megan and Gavin Davidson.

She is predeceased by her parents, Jim, and her brother Michael Richmann.

A funeral service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Virginia City, MT on Saturday, March 7th at Noon, with a reception at the VC Elk's Lodge to follow.

Memorials may be given in her memory to St. Paul's Episcopal Church.