Selena Margaret Pace November 6, 1961 - March 10, 2026

Selena Margaret Pace passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born November 6, 1961, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to Kenneth and Margaret McLean. She was the fourth of five children.

Selena attended Ricks College in Idaho before serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Montgomery, Alabama. Though she didn’t learn a language, she often joked that they should have taught one in the Missionary Training Center.

After returning home from her mission, she met Steve, who was serving his mission in Vancouver. Following his mission, the two exchanged letters, and during a visit to Utah they became engaged. They were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on June 18, 1986. They began their life together in Vancouver, raising their children and building a home centered on faith and family.

While living in Canada, Selena began an in-home daycare so she could remain home with her own children. Over the years she welcomed many families through her doors, and many of them became like family.

In 2001, the family made the courageous journey across the border with four children and a well-organized moving van. After a short stay in Burns, Oregon, they settled in Payson, Utah, where they continued raising their family.

Selena cared for children for decades before opening a preschool in 2015, which she lovingly ran until cancer caused her to step away in January 2025.

Selena served in many church callings throughout her life, including Relief Society President, Primary Teacher, Stake Missionary, Primary President, and Sunday School Teacher. She loved genealogy and helping others connect with their ancestors. She had a way of telling the stories of those who came before us as if she had known them personally.

Selena never met a stranger—something that drove her children a little crazy. She could often be found on the front porch visiting with friends and neighbors. To many, she was a therapist, counselor, teacher, mom, friend, and so much more.

Selena’s greatest accomplishment was her family. She loved her children and their spouses fiercely, but her grandbabies were her pride and joy. She made sure she was at every T-ball game, wrestling match, dance recital, show choir performance, softball game, and school event she could possibly get to. She taught us that the greatest gift of love is time, and she fought so hard to give us as much as possible. Throughout her life she taught us the value of hard work, resilience, generosity, and always making room for one more person.

Selena is preceded in death by her parents, Ken and Margaret McLean.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 40 years, Steven; her children Kyle (Janessa) Pace and their children Jaylee, Karsen, and Kolbie; Amanda (Tyson) Robertson and their children Brady and McKenna; Jeff Pace; and Cody Pace (Amy) and their children Steven and Gary, along with Amy’s children Elizabeth (Malachi), Jorden, Jay, and Kamryn. She is also survived by her mother- and father-in-law, Sharon and Gary Pace, and many other friends and family members who loved her dearly.

Selena fought cancer with courage, determination, and the same stubborn strength that defined her life. The lessons she taught, the laughter she shared, and the time she treasured with those she loved will remain with us always. Though we knew this day would come, we still were not ready. We know she will be watching over us every step of the way. We promise to keep doing the little things that drove her crazy so that she is never far away.

Our family is deeply grateful for the love and support shown by friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors throughout this journey. Those who helped carry our burdens and provided countless acts of kindness, both big and small, will never be forgotten.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 608 West 1400 South in Payson, Utah. Visitation will be prior from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church. There will also be visitation on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah.