Bessie R. Kaufman went to be with her Lord in heaven Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009. She died of age-related causes at Lewiston Rehabilitation and Care Center. She was 90 years old.

Bessie was born Nov. 17, 1918, to William and Lena Brooks Polumsky, near Peola. She graduated from Clarkston High in 1936.

On June 1, 1938, she married Freeman (Fritz) Leo Kaufman. The couple made their home at Orofino, where they raised their seven children. Bessie was an avid homemaker and wife.

She was employed by State Hospital North of Idaho at Orofino in the food service division as a cook from 1960 to 1980. She became the supervisor of the department for the last five years prior to her retirement.

Bessie was not one to stay down. She was an active lifetime member of St. Theresa's Catholic Church of Orofino. She also volunteered many hours at the Fish Thrift Store. She loved to entertain, travel, hunt, fish, crochet, quilt, garden, gamble, paint, and just be with family and friends. She was and will always be the heart of her family.

She is survived by her seven children, Peggy and husband Gerald Lohman of Kendrick, Rose and husband Darrel Brocke of Kendrick, Janette and husband Jim Reiland of Lewiston, Bill and Jerri Russell-Kaufman of Orofino, Vicky Lynn of Bend, Ore., Bob Kaufman of Peck, and Larry and wife Lori Kaufman of Ahsahka; and brother Don and wife Maxine Polumsky of Clarkston. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren, who were her pride and joy.

Bessie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, nine brothers and five sisters.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Theresa's Catholic Church of Orofino. Immediately following the service a lunch will be served at the church. Later, interment will follow at the Riverside Cemetery for all who wish to attend.