Ellen Kay McDonough Copfer's Obituary
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 School in 1967 and attended Stevens Henager College, where she obtained a degree in business. Ellen spent some of her early career as an executive assistant in the medical profession. She retired from the Rural Water Association of Utah in 2014.
She met Duane Copfer in 1970 while working at Koch Distributing, where Duane described her to a coworker as the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. They were married in the First United Methodist Church in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 2, 1970, and in 1972 moved to Alpine, Utah. They spent nearly 54 years blissfully married.
Ellen enjoyed rockhounding, camping and spending time with her family (especially her two grandsons). She was an amazing storyteller and loved showing off her home videos and picture albums to anyone who would sit with her. Ellen spent hours pouring over hundreds of photos and compiling music to match every special moment she captured.
She enjoyed playing handbells and was part of several fantastic choirs in Utah and Salt Lake Counties. One of the best of these choirs was the Wasatch Presbyterian Choir in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Ellen loved animals and would make an effort to feed anything that crossed her path. From the bird feeders in the backyard to the squirrels at the mountain lots, Ellen made sure every critter got something to eat. She could sit for hours watching these creatures munch on their treats, telling everyone what type of bird they were looking at.
Oh, and the cats! Over the years, she had dozens of cats, including multiple litters, and fawned over each one. Kittie will miss you.
Ellen was preceded in death by her father, Elvin McDonough, mother, Ferne Schock and sister, Mickey White. She is survived by her adoring husband, Duane, brother-in-law, Curtis White, son, Torrey (Alisha), and two grandsons.
Mom, may you always be allowed to wear high-heeled shoes on any beach or boardwalk! We love you.
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