Helen Louise Mendenhall 90, of Allen Williams Road, passed peacefully in her sleep on Saturday March 11, 2023, in her home after a heroic battle against breast cancer.  Louise was born November 5, 1932, in Salisbury, NC to Claire Rachel Hall and Roy Melton Keith.  Louise was the youngest of three children and a graduate of Maury High School in Norfolk, VA.  On April 27, 1951, she married Ralph Gray Mendenhall Sr.  Following his career, they packed up their young family and relocated to the Canal Zone in the Republic of Panama, where Ralph served as a Tugboat Captain and a Ship's Pilot in the Panama Canal until 1992. After his retirement they returned to Bear Grass, North Carolina to their beloved farm. They filled their days with hard work, family, and loving their grandchildren.  Louise was a devoted wife and mother to not only her own kids but also to so many children while in the Canal Zone.  She served as Den Mother to the Cub Scouts and coach for numerous years, to the Knights of Colombus girls' basketball and softball leagues. She was also Past Matron of the Rebecca Lodge in the Canal Zone. During her lifetime Louise had multiple nicknames of Toots, Coach, Dirty Old Cop (from serving as a police cross walk guard), Crazy Lady and Old Woman.

She is survived by her daughter Carol Williams of Washington and her son Ralph Gray Mendenhall Jr. of Greenville and stepsister Brenda Kay Forbes-Jones of Robersonville.  She is survived by 7 grandchildren: Susan Matthews, (Craig) Grifton, NC; Matthew Wesley, (Janelle) Bear Grass, NC; Raymond Williams, (Candice) Washington, NC; Christina Ledbetter, (Jason) Waynesville, NC; Jami Brown, (Eric) Williamston, NC; and Lauren Mendenhall-Turner, (Aleta) Danielsville, GA.  She was blessed to have 13 great grandchildren whom she adored: Ashley Hartman, Tyler Moore, Cadie Lewis, Trenton Moore, Maddie Lewis, Maci Williams, Mendy Westbrook, Chase Rodriguez, Wyatt Williams, Emmett Ledbetter, Roley Brown, Elizabeth Ledbetter, and Axel Brown.

She is preceded in death by her parents, a brother (Gene Keith of Norfolk VA), a sister (Dorothy Cherry of Norfolk VA), her husband Ralph Mendenhall, a daughter (Janet Wesley Whitaker of Williamston), and a grandchild (Carrie Williams Moore of Williamston).

Louise loved the outdoors, farming, traveling around the United States, and watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren perform in their various extra-curricular activities.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, hospice, and especially her oncologist Dr. Heather White at Physicians East who helped her navigate through her treatments and helped ease her pain during her final days with us.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, March 14,2023 at 2:00 PM at Martin Memorial Gardens, 12813 US-64 Williamston, NC with Mr. Greg Sexton officiating. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Walker Funeral Home in Williamston and other times at the home.

Flowers are appreciated or memorial donations can be made to the St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorial Giving 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.  Donations may also be made to Shriners Hospital for Children Attn: Shriners Hospital for Children, P.O. Box 947765 Atlanta GA 30394.

Walker Funeral Home of Williamston is serving the Mendenhall family.