Jolene Clayson Pace

Jolene Clayson Pace—a faithful disciple and lifelong witness of Jesus Christ, and our cherished mother, grandmother, and sister—peacefully passed away on July 23, 2026, at the age of 83. She was surrounded by all of her children, who love her deeply.

Born in Provo, Utah, on October 4, 1942, to Joseph Cardon Clayson and Winnifred Farr Clayson, Jolene grew up in Provo, graduating from Provo High School. She later attended Southern Utah University, where she danced on the drill team. On June 7, 1963, she married her childhood sweetheart, Glenn L. Pace, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they embarked on a beautiful, lifelong partnership built on faith, mutual devotion, and shared purpose.

Motherhood was a deliberate focus for Jolene—a daily intentional choice that defined her entire life. Together with Glenn, she raised six children. She infused her home with love, meticulous care, warm meals, and legendary holiday celebrations. Her children hold a special love for her beautiful hands, which spent a lifetime showing love in the most gentle ways.

Her capacity to love extended worldwide as she supported Glenn as a General Authority for 25 years and consecrated her talents in numerous leadership callings, serving faithfully across every organization to build the kingdom of God. She stood courageously at his side as they served as mission leaders in the Australia Sydney North Mission and later presided over the Africa West Area. Her life was defined by a singular, beautiful mission: she spent her life helping God’s children return to Him.

This joy culminated at the marriage and temple sealing of her youngest son, marking the milestone of all six of her children being married in the temple. During the ceremony, as Glenn looked at Jolene, he watched her literally beam with celestial joy, noting that “There was no accomplishment in the world she could have attained which would have made him love her more or be more proud of her efforts”. He later commemorated this sacred observation in his final public address as an active General Authority, honoring her with these words:

"Prior to the ceremony as I spoke of sacred things, I looked at my wife, who was seated next to our son. My spiritual eyes were opened, and I saw her shining in all of her glory... I saw before me a priestess, queen, and goddess. There is absolutely nothing the world can offer that could come close to the fulfillment she was feeling... Her eternal nature was then and is now still intact."

Jolene possessed a playful sense of humor that constantly endeared her to others, and she was gifted with profound wisdom.

Jolene found great joy in the simple beauties of nature. She never failed to notice the blue skies and grand, billowy white clouds, or the delicate details of birds and blossoms. Even up to her final days, she found immense joy taking walks outside.

In her final years, Jolene faced Alzheimer’s disease. Though it was her greatest fear, she met this trial with unmatched bravery, humility, and trust. Jolene was a person of endless gratitude, constantly telling those helping her, "You are such a good gal! You are so nice to do this for me!” Her family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the caregivers at Country Care Assisted Living and the nursing staff at Ovation Hospice who provided such tender care during this season.

Jolene is survived by her six children, Kyle (Leandra), Rikki (Ryan) Riggs, Korey (Stephanie), Darin (Mandy), Brandon (Amy), and Joell (Rusty) Lindquist; her sister and best friend, Carol (Howard) VanOrman; her brother-in-law, Ralph Farrer; her sister-in-law, Joyanna (Gordon) Peterson; as well as her 35 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Glenn L. Pace; her parents, Joseph Cardon Clayson and Winnifred Farr Clayson; her brother, Boyd Clayson, and his wife Laverde Clayson; her sister-in-law, Collene Farrer; her parents-in-law Kenneth and Elizabeth Pace and her cherished grandson, Addison Pace.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the Bountiful 13th Ward Chapel, 1350 North 650 East, Bountiful, Utah. A viewing will be held Monday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m., at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah, and Tuesday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m., at the church prior to services. Interment- East Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Provo, Utah.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary and Crematory YouTube Channel and on this obituary page. See YouTube video below.