Birth date: Jul 20, 1949 Death date: Aug 4, 2024
Ellen Kay McDonough Copfer, 75, passed away on August 4, 2024, in Sandy, Utah. Born July 20, 1949, in Sugar House, Utah, to Elvin and Ferne McDonough, Ellen enjoyed a long and fulfilling life. She graduated from Highland High Sch Read Obituary
There's nothing better than Ellen's own words. At 31 years old, this is a 2 page letter she wrote to baby me highlighting her favorite bits about visiting Iowa.
For over 20 years Ellen and I have been next door neighbors and friends. The last time I had spoken to her was a quick hello and short conversation through the tall hedges that separate our houses. We had those conversations often and we would laugh about the fact that we were both too lazy to walk to the sidewalk for a face to face talk. I can honestly say she was the best neighbor I have ever had and I've had a lot of neighbors. Her kind nature and witty personality always put a smile on my face. I honestly have to say, she never had a bad thing to say about anyone. My heart aches and I will miss my wonderful friend Ellen.
Having been named after Ellen's favorite Iowa town, it is with the utmost respect to the Iowa family I offer my deepest sympathies for the loss of my mother.
Having been named after Ellen's favorite Iowa town, it is with the utmost respect to the Iowa family I offer my deepest sympathies for the loss of my mother.
I love the Copfers, and would babysit quite a bit for them! Ellen and Duane always would make their relationship a priority, because they would date regularly. There was always a cat there to keep me company at night. And once we rescued a tiny cat stuck between the fences. They were great neighbors. My mom was so jealous of their beautiful, well-kept garden every year. Ellen had such a fun sense of humor. My condolences to everyone in the family!
With much love, Michelle Z Smith
I met Ellen when I first moved to Utah and desperately wanted to find a handbell choir to play in. Ellen convinced me to step in as director. With her and her kids support we revived the sleeping handbells that were sitting in the church’s closet. She and her kids were the backbone of that new group that eventually branched off to be the first community handbell choir in Utah county. This was an arduous and sometimes painful journey. Her encouragement helped me to gain the confidence that I would need later as the group became more and more experienced. She was also my best friend. We could ( and did) talk for hours. I will always hold you in my heart, dear Ellen.
