Anton Appawoo, Sr.

Anton Appawoo, Sr., of Ft. Duchesne, passed on peacefully surrounded by his family at the UBMC in Roosevelt, September 21, 2021 at the age of 90.
Dad was born June 29, 1931 under a tree on the farm in Whiterocks to Howell D and Estelle Ridley Appawoo.
He married Leah Root, together they had Ronnie, BerDeena, Audie and Antonette. Leah passed on July 4, 1980.
When Anton was young, he attended Iganico Boarding School in Colorado, then came back to the area to help on the farm. He was a bronco rider, and attended many rodeos, winning several cash awards and ribbons. He liked watching W.W. E.
He was a hard worker, doing many jobs through the years, crew boss, spraying trees, Ute Tribe police officer, BIA Ranger, Ute Tribe Enterprise and served on the Ute Tribe Business Committee.
He was a warrior and fought many health issues. He had challenges throughout his lifetime and lived life to the fullest.
His favorite pastime was going to the casino and gambling, hoping for the “Big One”.
He collected coins, watched old western movies, traveled many states with his family, and attended numerous Pow Wows and Sundances. He was a Fancy Dancer, spoke fluent Ute and English.
He helped to raise his granddaughters, Cara and Jera Mountain Lion.
He delighted in his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren and cherished spending time with each of them.
He is survived by children, BerDeena Mountain Lion, Whiterocks; Antonette Appawoo, Audie Appawoo, Ft. Duchesne; grandchildren, Jera D Mountain Lion, Cara (Todd) Mair, Sr., Marty (Kristian) Appawoo, Sr.; great-grandchildren, Aaliyah “Little Cow Girl” Mountain Lion, Teasha, Todd Jr., Tempestt Mair, Christopher, Anthony, Esabel, Marty Appawoo, Jr.; great-great-grandchildren, Gabriella Whitley Mair, Holly, and Gerald Ortiz, Marissa Thompson, Traxston, Oakley, Brinlee, Copelain Place, and many more that call him Grandpa. His brothers, Chet Ridley and family, Wendover; adopted sons, Perry Murdock and Julian Reed, nieces, Johanna G Poncho and family, New Mexico; Sadine Appawoo and family, Yellowstone Subdivision.
His family that walk on: parents, Estelle & H. Dan Appawoo, wife Leah Appawoo, sons, Ronnie & “A J” Appawoo, grandsons, Juan W and Brian S Appawoo, nieces, Judy G Gonzales, Pamela D Tapoof, Woodrow Ann Appawoo, sisters, Lillian A Garcia, Sadie, Cecila Appawoo, infant sister, Loretta A Drye, brothers, Glenn, Charles “Chuck” and Woodrow Appawoo, aunts, Lillian Washington, May, Annie, Margie Ridley, Delores LaRose Arrowchis, uncles, Benton and Richard Ridley; nephew, Larry Garcia.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hullinger Mortuary.
Burial in the Ft. Duchesne Cemetery.