Elizabeth Tapoof

    Elizabeth Rose Tapoof, age 75, of Ft. Duchesne, passed away January 21, 2026, at the Uintah Basin Medical Center.
    She was born August 18, 1950, in Roosevelt, UT, to Lander and Nema Myore Santio.  She married Joseph Lee Tapoof in March of 1977.
    Elizabeth worked at the Ute Tribe CHR office and then for several years as a teacher at the Ute Tribe Headstart.  She adored the children she worked with and loved when they would come up to her years later and give her a hug – she felt like she’d made an impact.  She enjoyed spring time and participating in the Bear Dances and attending Sundances.  She had a passion for all types of music and didn’t shy away from dancing – wherever she may be.  She liked to go on rides to the mountains with Joseph, camping, and being in the outdoors.  She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  
    She loved her family and her grandkids were her pride and joy and she spent as much time with them as possible.  She will be deeply missed.
    Elizabeth is survived by her husband, Joseph, of Ft. Duchesne; her children, Larry Duncan, Jr. (Amy Mitchell), Price; Emmett (Cory) Duncan, Vernal; Saraphina Segay (Brian Ramone), Vernal; Reannin (Russell) Mclean, Roosevelt; Landora Tapoof (Jeff Wopsock), Ft. Duchesne; Danielle Santio, Ft. Duchesne; grandchildren, Lorrinda & Nema Duncan, Eternity Duncan, Elsa Candia, Knoah Mascarenas, Landyn, Abigail, & Joseph Myore; four great-grandchildren; siblings, Irea Santio, Wade Santio, Adena Bush, all of Ft. Duchesne; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
    She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Jolene Santio Reed, Woodrow Ann-Appawoo, Hamilton Bush, and Zachary Lynn Santio.
    Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Hullinger Mortuary.  There will be a viewing on Friday from 5-7 p.m. at the Mortuary.
    Burial will be in the Ft. Duchesne Cemetery.