Helen Knauer, 92, says her job at the Butler County Clerk of Courts office helps keep her young.

But her co-workers, many of whom are less than half Knauer's age, say she is the true inspiration.

"I always use Helen as an example when people try to tell me they are too old to do something," said her boss Lisa Lotz. "You are never too old!"

Described as perky and positive, Knauer greets visitors in the busy office. She opens and distributes the mail, stuffs more than 500 envelopes a month and does a substantial amount of filing.

"And she keeps us in line," Lotz said with a laugh. "She is a mentor."

Co-worker Brandy Lonchena said she admires Knauer not only for her seemingly endless energy but also for her good outlook on life.

"She puts everybody in a good mood," Lonchena said.

Knauer, a part-timer, spent the first leg of her career homemaking and raising her two sons and two daughters.

In 1983, at age 66, Knauer got her first job: a tipstaff for the Butler County judges.

By then, she said, she was a widow and her children had grown. The job was attractive to her because her sister, Ruth Brookhart, already was working at the courthouse as secretary to then-Judge John Brydon.

"I just loved that job," said Knauer, who lived in Butler Township before moving to Butler.

A tipstaff in Butler County monitors a courtroom and gives nonlegal assistance — including providing coffee or directions — to lawyers, judges and jurors.

She worked as a tipstaff for 13 years before retiring in 1996. Then, her sister, Brydon and "the whole gang of us" retired.

But retirement was short-lived for Knauer, who returned to work at the courthouse four months later.

Lotz first hired her through the county's senior aide program.

That program, through Tri-County Private Industry Council, used federal funding to provide part-time employment to senior citizen. The seniors agreed to work 20 hours a week at minimum wage in government offices and for nonprofit groups.

Knauer, while employed under that umbrella, in July 1999, won an Outstanding Judicial Employee award from the courthouse staff.

Her co-worker Christina Williams told her she is deserving of the award: "You are so good to be around because you have words of wisdom."

After fulfilling the obligations of the senior aide program for two years, Knauer was hired as a part-time county employee. Her official title is clerk typist.

A self-described "morning person," Knauer logs 16 hours a week, working the hours she is needed most.

"I bring up the slack... doing a little bit for everybody," she said. "I really think this job is what keeps me going. If not for this job, I might be in a wheelchair or something like that."

Knauer, who does all of her own driving and cooking, said one of her daughters often chides her about her own retirement.

"She says 'I can't quit because my mother is still working,'" Knauer said.

Working in the clerk's office, Knauer said, also helps her keep up with current events as well as styles and trends in fashion.

Looking good and staying mentally sharp remain important to her.

"I always give the advice: Be kind to everyone and sincere. And always use your mind," she said.

When not working, Knauer enjoys playing bridge and the lottery, especially scratch-off type lottery tickets.

"I have a lot of errands to do after work every day," she said. "I'm very busy."

Helen, a grandmother to eight and a great-grandmother to 13, said she simply doesn't see retirement in her future.

"I don't think you should ever retire. I think you should always have something worthwhile to do," she said.