Obituary for Heather Elliott

Heather passed away on February 29th, 2016 after a long battle with cancer, peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends.
Heather was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas and attended St. John Baptist Diocesan High School in West Islip, New York. She graduated from University of Arizona with a B.A. in Education. She moved to Reno in 1975 and immediately fell in love with Nevada. Later in life, she completed an M.P.A. at the University of Nevada, Reno, with honors.
Heather became politically active in the 1980s. She spearheaded political campaigns and was dedicated to improving people’s lives, particularly women and children. Heather became a member of the Board of Directors for the Committee to Aid Abused Women and the Women’s Political Caucus. She enthusiastically campaigned for equal rights for women in the State of Nevada. Later she became the Executive Director of the Nevada Law Foundation, a program established to provide legal aid to people who could not afford an attorney.
She became an active member of Washoe County Democratic Party, working with Virginia Demmler’s team to elect Democrats to all levels of government. These included City Council Members Cecilia Colling and Joni Kaiser, Assemblywoman Jan Evans, State Senator Diana Glomb, Mayor Jim Spoo’s congressional campaign, and many others. Also, Heather was campaign manager for Reno Municipal Judge Jay Dillworth. Additionally, Heather worked on the campaign for Governor Bob Miller, and in 1992 she worked on Senator Harry Reid’s campaign. All of the candidates praised her energy, intelligence and tenacity.
After the Miller campaign, Heather started a career with the State of Nevada as a Secretary II, but was quickly and repeatedly promoted. Most notably, she coordinated Nevada’s Clearinghouse Program, reporting directly to the governor and served as budget analyst in the State Administrative Office. She retired as ASO (chief financial officer) for Peace Officers’ Standards and Training (POST) where she prepared and directly defended budget authorizations with the legislature. She will be remembered for her dedication and professionalism. Upon her retirement, and based on her exemplary service to the State of Nevada, Governor Sandoval proclaimed February 14th, 2015 as a “day in honor of Heather Elliott.”
Heather’s loves in life were many. First and foremost, she loved her family. She especially loved being around her children and grandchildren at Christmas, when she always enjoyed setting a magazine-worthy table for holiday meals. Heather also loved the outdoors, from skiing with her father as a child and being swim instructor to camping, fishing, and riding Harleys. She loved a good party and was a dedicated friend. She grew lavender to give as gifts and she cared deeply for the patrons of the Ole Tyme Saloon, which she co-owned with her husband. She was a founding member of the World Famous Plungerettes, and loved performing with them annually during the World Championship Outhouse Races in Virginia City. She will be fondly remembered for being unabashedly outspoken, with a quick wit and an infectious smile.
Heather was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Lucy Gene Wendelken, and her brother Lawrence. Surviving family members are her husband Joseph Rooney, her sons Benjamin and Derek Elliott and Joseph Rooney III as well as four grandchildren. Her family, along with her large group of dedicated friends, will miss her terribly. May she rest in peace.
A memorial will be held at Walton’s Funerals and Cremations on 875 W. Second Street; Reno, NV 89503 on Saturday, March 19th at 11:00 AM.

Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Heather Elliott, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.