Pauline Kroush (Dickman) Ness

Pauline Kroush Ness, age 84, of Nampa, formerly of Emmett, Idaho, died April 11th, 2021, following a long hard-fought battle with ovarian cancer and COPD. She was at home surrounded by her family.

     Pauline was born June 1936 in Creighton, Nebraska, to Elizabeth Dickman and Louis Hoffman. She had one older brother, Lawrence Hoffman. In the spring of 1945, her family loaded everything they had onto their 1930 Chevrolet and came to Idaho looking for work on the farms and in the fruit orchards. She met Ivan Dealy in 1950 and they had a daughter, Teresa. Pauline later married Delmon Kroush and they had three children, Del, Larry, and Lisa. They raised their family in Emmett, and she worked several jobs. She cooked in the Cherry Blossom and the President Cafe. She managed several of the fruit packing sheds in the valley and was an orchard boss at Harry Patrick’s fruit ranch for years. Pauline bought Emmett Recycling in the early 1980s and managed it for about 6 years. In 1985 she met John Ness at a Valentine's dance, and they really enjoyed dancing together. In 1986 they were married. After she sold the Recycling Center, Polly and John managed the Emmett landfill for some years. Next, she managed the Tee Time Cafe, at the golf course. They bought 40 acres on hwy 52, west of Emmett and worked together daylight to dusk making it their home for over 20 years. She really enjoyed talking to her chickens every morning and night!  Whenever there was time, they went traveling in their motorhome. If she got a chance to stop and fish, she would be all smiles!  In 2015 they decided it was time to scale down and bought a home in Nampa. This was also the time Pauline was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Her tumor was removed, chemo was started and continued for 5 years. 

     Although she worked outside of the home most of her life, Pauline (Polly), was an exceptional homemaker; she was amazing in the kitchen. Her home was always meticulously clean.  She made every holiday special; holiday dinners were occasions to bring out the best silver and china and everyone was warmly welcomed.

She cooked for the Sacred Heart Church Bazaars, catered weddings, and reunions. The people in Emmett appreciated her and all she did so much, they nominated Pauline for the Idaho Shining Star Award. Governor Butch Otter presented her with the award in 2008. She was very proud and looked beautiful; her blue eyes were so bright! After the move to Nampa, she made many more friends. The neighborhood gathered at Polly and John’s home every year for a Christmas party. She was caring, kind, generous, a loving mom. Anyone who met her, loved her and she will truly be missed.

     Pauline was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, and her son Larry. She is survived by her husband, John; her daughter Teresa Andrew, son Del Kroush, daughter Lisa Surles, niece Lindsay (and Mike) Truxel, John’s daughter Keri (and Howard) Sutton, son Tony Ness, and daughter-in-law Martha Ness, as well as her grandchildren Paul, April, Josh, Troy, Sasha, and John’s grandchildren Dusty and Darin, 13 great-grandchildren, dear friends Marj Kroush, Ruth and Scott Rapier, and her beloved dachshunds, Tigger, and Kelly. 

     Pauline requested no service. A celebration of her life is planned for May 9th, 2021, 2:00pm-5:00pm, 703 W Redwood Lane, Nampa, ID.

     In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the food bank or the charity of your choice. 

     A special thank you to Dr. Andrew Pierson, Ryan Partin PA-C, and the cancer care staff at St. Alphonsus, Nampa. Also, Doctor’s Hospice (formerly Complete Hospice) staff members, and ProCare Medical (Dave). Your excellent care and friendship were greatly appreciated.

     You may express condolences on the following funeral home website: www.nampafuneralhome.com

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