Going strong at 82

Vermilion Parish Clerk of Court Diane Meaux Broussard has in her office 27 full-time employees, a group that makes up what many would say is a well-oiled machine.
Broussard also has one part-time employee who helps keep it all going.
Ruby Primeaux, 82, works three days a week for a total of 18 hours. She takes on countless tasks during that time.
“I do all kinds of stuff,” Primeaux said. “I work with every department.”
As far as Broussard is concerned, having Primeaux there makes all the difference.
“She keeps the wheels in motion,” Broussard said with a smile. “She does a very good job. It is a very important job. She goes where ever she is needed.
“If she was not here it would definitely slow things down.”
Broussard hired Primeaux through Experience Works, a program that provides employment training for elderly workers.
“It is a great program,” Broussard said.
Primeaux has been with the Clerk’s Office for nearly four years.
“I love it here,” Primeaux said. “It keeps my sanity. I love to work with everybody here. They are so good to work with.
“And of course our boss is the best.”
Primeaux, an Abbeville native, is no stranger to hard work. She and her husband, Pervis Primeaux, to whom she has been married for almost 65 years, ran a local bait shop for many years.
“We also crawfished and I worked at West Brothers for 26 years,” Primeaux said. “I have always worked.”
Broussard, who has served as Clerk of Court since 2004, said Primeaux’s work ethic is apparent.
“I think that is what keeps her going,” Broussard said.
Primeaux agreed.
“I can see it when people slow down,” Primeaux said of those around her age. “They are not as healthy as I am.”
While being at the office has given Primeaux a boost, it also gave Broussard a reason to create a vibrant look in a portion of the office that was previously considered a “junk area.” It is a nook in the hall between the entrance of the Clerks office and the area that houses all of the Parish’s records.
“I told myself I was going to fix this up for Mrs. Ruby,” Broussard explained. “Someone who is still working at 82 deserves to have their own spot.”
It has become quite the decorated spot. Broussard brought in some wooden, carved pelicans that hang above Primeaux’s desk, which includes pictures of her grandchildren. Primeaux also has, in the area, art that she calls her own.
“Mrs. Ruby told me that she paints,” Broussard said. “She said she had some paintings in her closet. She brought them in and they are perfect. They are awesome.”
Broussard said Chief Deputy Clerk of Court Carlton Campbell best described the area Primeaux now calls her office.
“Carlton said this has become the best tourist attraction in the courthouse,” Broussard said with laugh. “Everyone has come to see it.”
For anyone who goes to the Clerk of Court’s office, they will see Primeaux working hard.
“She keeps us on track,” Broussard said. “We depend on her so much.
“It really is a blessing to have her here.”
The feeling is certainly mutual.
“I really do love it here,” Primeaux said.