Paige Seilhan Ritchie

Paige Ritchie, 57, of Encinitas, passed away peacefully at home on December 17, 2024, surrounded by family after a four plus year battle with ovarian cancer. Paige fought her cancer as she lived her life, with courage, dignity and grace throughout.

Born in Texas, Paige moved to San Diego as a young child, living in Mission Bay and then Poway, where she graduated from Poway High in 1985. She studied at UC Irvine where she earned a B.A. in Political Science and then her teaching credential. She met her future husband Rick at UCI in 1986, and they were married in 1991. She was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and met many lifelong friends in college.

After graduation, Paige initially taught history for a few years at San Marcos High, then took a break from teaching to stay home with daughter Devon and son Jack in their infant years. She went back to teaching thereafter, beginning an 18-year career as a beloved pre-school teacher at San Dieguito United Methodist Church in Encinitas. “Miss Paige” helped countless youngsters (and their parents) navigate their way through pre-school and into their ongoing education.

Paige was a friend to all who met her, and enjoyed cooking, sports and most of all spending time with family and friends. A devoted Padres and Chargers fan, Paige became an avid Saints fan who enjoyed many a game in the Superdome when she and Rick were at their place in New Orleans.

Paige is survived by Rick, her loving husband of 33 years, their two children, Devon Kent (Drew), Jack Ritchie and baby grandson, Luke Kent, who brought her so much joy after his birth eight months before she passed away. In just one example of her devotion to family, Paige made it to Los Angeles on time for Luke’s afternoon birth after enduring another grueling chemo session in San Diego the same morning. Paige is also survived by her siblings, Charisse, Kathy and Denton, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Paige will be remembered fondly at a Memorial Service on Saturday, January 11, at 10:00 a.m., at San Dieguito United Methodist Church in Encinitas. Donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego.