Family is important to Bette Hoffmann. And that’s why she thoroughly enjoyed her job in the Monroe County Circuit Clerk’s Office at the courthouse for so many years.

“It’s like a family here,” she said. “It’s been great to be a part of.”

A special ceremony was held Friday in honor of Hoffmann, 74, of Waterloo, on her last day of work in the circuit clerk’s office. Hoffmann, a Fauss from home, has retired after more than 40 years of continuous employment.

“It’s just time,” she said.

Cake and other goodies were enjoyed by all, and various floral arrangements and other gifts were presented to Hoffmann as part of her final day.

And, of course, many good- bye hugs were shared by all.

“We’re sure going to miss her,” Monroe County Circuit Clerk Sandy Sauget said.

In fact, Sauget is the fourth circuit clerk Hoffmann had worked for. The others are household names in this county: Leroy Reitz, Ellen Kipping and Aaron Reitz.

Residents, generations of them, have stopped by the office to pay traffic tickets or ask questions about pending court dates over the years. There’s a good chance Hoffmann was the one they dealt with.

A Maeystown native, Hoffmann started part-time in the clerk’s office back in 1969, and moved to full-time in the 1970s.

“When I started, tickets were $15,” she said with a chuckle. “Now, they go for around $120.”

Hoffmann has lived in Waterloo since 1957. She and husband Lloyd have one surviving child, Vicki Taake, and another who has since deceased.

Hoffmann said she really hasn’t given much thought into what to do in retirement, other than spending more time attending her two grandchildren’s school functions.

Once again, it all comes back to family.

“Oh, I’m sure I’ll still stop by here now and again,” Hoffmann said shortly before leaving her desk for the last time.