Ada Lee Ricks Broussard (“Miss Ricks”), loving wife, aunt, grand-aunt, and friend was born to parents William (“Billy”) and Bessie Ricks on March 19, 1922 in Mansfield, Louisiana where she was raised. She died on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 in Cedar Hill, Texas after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 95 years old.
“Miss Ricks” finished high school at age 16. In 1938 she enrolled in Louisiana State Normal College (now call Northwestern Louisiana State University) in Natchitoches, Louisiana majoring in music and English. She graduated in May 1942. Never losing the love of learning, Miss Ricks later received two master’s degrees. She was an avid reader throughout her life until she lost her eyesight.
After college graduation “Miss Ricks” came to Cameron Parish, Louisiana to teach school “because teachers were paid more in south Louisiana than in the northern parts of the state.” She was homesick at first, but grew to love Cameron Parish, its people and her job. She taught at the Grand Chenier School, mostly English and music; although due to a shortage of teachers during World War II she taught other subjects as needed. She first taught 7th grade reading, history, math, and elementary music. Gradually she moved up to high school English, girls’ choir, and music appreciation.
“Miss Ricks” met her future husband Joseph Willard Broussard (“Bud”) at a dance where Bud’s daddy played the fiddle. This is somewhat ironic since neither of them would ever dance! They married before a Justice of the Peace on July 15, 1946 and in the Catholic Church in 1955.
In 1948, Ada Lee and Bud Broussard purchased the land where she lived until August of 2017 on Helen Street in Grand Chenier and shortly thereafter built their beloved home. Although severely damaged at times, the home and the Broussard’s survived hurricanes Audrey, Rita and Ike. Each time they repaired and rebuilt.
After retiring from teaching “Miss Ricks” served as Cameron Parish librarian for many years. She was an active member of the Grand Chenier First United Methodist Church where she served as the pianist/organist until her diminished eyesight no longer allowed. She enjoyed studying and teaching the Bible and organized the annual Christmas play.
“Miss Ricks” is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years Joseph (“Bud”) Broussard; her parents William Gardner Ricks and Bessie Wilson Ricks; and her sister Jean Ricks Driver.
She is survived by her niece Billie Ricks Driver Ballengee, nephew-in-law Bruce Ballengee, grandnieces and nephews William Ballengee, Brooke Ballengee, Jason Ballengee, his wife Margarita and their son Bram; her nephew Carl Broussard, his daughter Jennifer Broussard Conner and grandniece Malori Broussard; nephew Ronald Theriot and his wife Marlene and their children, Alex and Andrea; and by dear cousin Athyln Boswell.
Visitation will be at Grand Chenier First United Methodist Church from 7:30 a.m until 8:45 a.m., March 17, 2018. Internment, open to all, will be held at 9 a.m. in Chenier Perdue (Theriot) Cemetery under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. A memorial service will follow the Interment at approximately 10:00 am. at Grand Chenier United Methodist Church, 2873 Grand Chenier Highway, Grand Chenier, LA. Reverend Mel Yorks will officiate. Words of comfort for the family may be shared at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com
