I paid my house off about 1 year ago and don't remember receiving any type of document from the mortgage company. I do remember receiving the balance of our escrow money. Should I contact my former mortgage company and request something in writing that the house has been paid for?

You should have reeived a copy of the deed when you first closed on the house. But what you need now is a satisfaction of the lien. They are required to send you one.

You should have received the original Note marked "Paid in full". Also, the lender should have arranged to have the original Mortgage canceled in the county clerk's office and then had the canceled Mortgage sent to you. Contact the lender and ask if these things have been done.