Lyla Lee Mendez, 77 years old, a lifelong resident of Lompoc and a beloved member of the Lompoc Valley community, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026, at Atterdag Village in Solvang. She was the daughter of Joseph and Lothelle Grossini. Her life was defined by kindness, humor, and a deep devotion to the people she loved.

Born and raised in Lompoc, Lyla grew up helping in her family’s business, Moore’s Department Store, where she learned the values of hard work, service, and treating every person with warmth and respect. Those qualities stayed with her throughout her life and became the foundation of the way she moved through the world. She retired from the Lompoc School District where she had made long lasting friendships.

Lyla shared the most extraordinary love story with her late husband, Larry Mendez. Their partnership was one of unwavering support, laughter, and genuine affection—an example to everyone who knew them. Though Larry passed before her, their bond remained.

She is survived by her children, Lori Lawrence (Manny) and Larry Mendez (Tammy), and her siblings, Suzanne Watkins (Frank), Tommy Grossini (Cindy). Lyla was a proud and loving grandmother to Trevor Morss, Austin Morss, Lawson Mendez, and Emery Mendez, each of whom brought her immense joy.

Known for her gentle spirit, joyous personality, and the respect she earned throughout the community, Lyla touched countless lives. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished and in the many people who were fortunate enough to know her.

Her family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with Larry, the love of her life, and that her memory will continue to inspire kindness and love in those she leaves behind.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday March 6, 2026 at 2 pm at La Purisima Catholic Church, graveside service to follow at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at 4 pm at the Elks Lodge.