January 20, 1935 – October 14, 2024

89 years old, Elaine passed away peacefully from Alzheimer’s complications at Banner Crest Care Home in Nevada City, California. Born in El Nido, California to Rose and Tony Roggero, she was the eldest of three children including her younger brothers Charles Roggero of Modesto and Anthony Roggero of Merced. Elaine was a mother to two children, Jan Rubin (Eric) of Nevada City and Barbara DeVeer (Rick) of Nevada City.

Elaine was raised on a cotton, corn and cattle farm outside of Merced, where she was a voracious reader and young tap dancer capable of cartwheeling down a small set of stairs. She attended Merced high school and played drums in the band. Her distinctive walk while marching earned her the nickname “wiggles”. Elaine went to college at UC Berkeley, majoring in Human Development and minoring in English/Speech, graduating with honors. She married William Reuter and moved to Fontana, CA where they had two children. Later the family moved to the Bay Area where she worked and lived until moving to Nevada City in 2018 to be closer to her daughters.

Elaine had many careers after her children grew ranging from working at the Berkeley Space Science Lab in early data processing, to working as a library assistant to providing administrative support for Safeway Stores, to selling real estate. In later life she bought, made and sold antiques and jewelry. She was an avid member of the Bead Society.

Throughout her life, Elaine was a talented artist in multiple mediums including photography, pottery, macrame, and jewelry making. Whatever new art form she tried, she was soon an expert – often selling her work at local shows. She was also an excellent dancer, enjoying Greek and other types of folk dancing. Travel was another passion – she and Ron Baughn, her partner later in life, would often go on long drives exploring western hot springs, landscapes and architecture which she chronicled in amazing photographs.

Elaine will be remembered for her sharp intellect, skillful dancing, and true artistic talent. She cared deeply about her two daughters – always having a smile for them even as her memory dimmed from disease. Her unconditional love and pride in her children laid the foundation for their happy lives.

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