Leah Ann Helgren-Pace

Leah Ann Pace, beloved wife, mother, Nina, daughter, aunt, sister, and friend departed from her stay on earth to be with our Lord and Savior on June 4, 2024.

Leah was born in Austin, Texas on July 16, 1975, to Rachel Wilson and Kenneth Helgren. She graduated from Elgin High School in 1993 with her high school sweetheart, Matthew Pace. Leah loved singing, dancing, being with friends but above all loved her family and dog, Stark. Every holiday was a big event in her eyes. On Halloween, she would have her annual “Hocus Pocus” night.

Leah impacted the lives of everyone she met, especially the youth in our community in and out of the church. She was a youth leader for 15 plus years. Her youth group would not miss a Wednesday night service because Leah had a way of teaching God’s word but also giving everyone a sense of love and being. She always kept class entertaining from foil war to paint ball, or everyone’s favorite, Amazing Race.

She lived with an open arms and open-door policy. Everyone was welcomed into her home with no expiration on when they had to leave and was always welcomed with a big hug and most of the time a cuddle session on the couch.

Leah had the voice of an angel. She was part of a singing group with her close friends and sister-in-law, Cissy. She also blessed the church with singing as the praise and worship leader at AEC and FWC. She never turned down the opportunity to sing karaoke whether it be at home or in public and if you were in arms reach just know she would have you up there singing with her.

Leah was welcomed to Heaven by her father, Kenneth Helgren, brother, Joshua Helgren, grandparents, Clarence and Wilma Helgren, Reverend Teddy Thomas, Billy Machen, and Marvin Smith, and cousin, Skyler Thomas, as well as friends, Nathan Koi, Jason Beauchem, Christy Evans, Cindy and Eric Merka, Troy Gratehouse, and Ginny Sanders.

Leah was survived by her high school sweetheart and light of her life, Matthew Pace, children, Victoria (Pace) Stalberger and husband Justin Stalberger, granddaughter, Harper Stalberger, Caitlyn (Pace) Bancroft, and husband, Granger Bancroft, grandsons, Everest and Ender Bancroft, Conrad Pace and Isabella De La Rosa, and Aiva Pace, mother, Rachel Wilson and stepdad, Tom Wilson, mother and father-in-law, Sherril and John Pace, siblings, Sarah (Helgren) Timming and husband, Justin Timming, Jacob Helgren, Matthew and wife, Becca Tabor, Adam Tabor, Jonathan and wife, Kimberly Tabor, and Brandon Wilson and husband, Aaron Grant, brother and sisters-in-law, Patrick and wife, Cissy Pace and Heath and wife, Malorie Pace, and grandmothers, Billie Sue Thomas and Joann Machen.  She also had countless aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends that were considered family.

Our hearts are heavy now missing Leah, but we will have peace knowing she is with the Lord. The countless memories and moments we have had with her will never be forgotten.

A Celebration of Leah’s Life will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Family Worship Center in Elgin.