Carol Lee "Squeak" Mendez

Carol Lee “Squeak” Mendez, 68, of East Leroy, Michigan passed away peacefully at her residence, with her family at her side, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Carol was born October 29, 1957, in Nashville, Michigan, the daughter of Chester Lewis and Helen Marie (Bauer) Dill. As a child, she moved with her family to Battle Creek. Carol attended Pennfield High School. She was employed after high school and then devoted her life to raising her family.

Carol Lee Dill was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Benny J. Mendez on September 26, 1973, at Sumner County, Tennessee. Surviving are her husband, Benny; two daughters, Angie (Laroy) Johnson of Bedford, MI, Melissa (Jesse Markin) Mendez of Battle Creek, MI; a son, Benny D. (Kadie) Mendez of Battle Creek, MI and four grandchildren, Marina Mendez (Nicklas Murray), Brenden Mendez, Cameron Mendez, Kadience Mendez. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Helen Dill; and two brothers, Chuck Dill and Sonny Dill.

Carol was a "Jill of All Trades". She loved working in her flower gardens and was always putting together a beautiful arrangement with those flowers, going to garage sales and shopping. She was always doing a craft and or painting. Her love for family and their friends was most important to her, but that love was most prominent when she spent time with her grandkids, who she absolutely adored! She was a great cook and loved to have her family together. Her favorite items to cook, for those grandkids alone, were pizza, pancakes and cookies! She had a kind heart and would do anything for anybody. She and Benny always had an open door, a place to crash, an extra seat at the table and a warm meal for their kids’ friends and cared for them like family.

Friends will be received from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 13, 2026, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, where a service to celebrate Carol’s will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 13, 2026.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or an Alzheimer’s organization of one’s choice. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.