If the mortgage is paid and there is a cancelled check, what is the proper wording in a letter to answer the lis pendence.

You may be describing two things: Mortgages and/or security deeds are recorded in the courthouse to reflect that a property is pledged, or mortgaged, and when the debt is paid off, it will be stamped with 'Satisfied', and dated, or some such language. Lis Pendens is a separate index, where I live, to indicate that property is subject to an undetermined claim that is pending in the court. The lis pendens notice should indicate the name, address, and date the notice was filed; write it/them a letter and demand that the notice be 'satisfied' or 'discharged'. It may show a telephone number, and you may get the desired result with a phone call. If no luck with this, speak with the clerk of court and see what the customary procedure is in your location. If all this fails, you may need a lawyer.