JoAnn McFarland Perusich, 53

JoAnn McFarland Perusich, 53, of Sedalia passed away January 19, 2016 at her home in Sedalia.  She was born on January 18, 1963 in Kansas City, Missouri the daughter of Carl Green McFarland and Norma Jeanne Kahrs, who preceded her in death.

On August 27, 1997 in Kansas City, MO she was united in marriage to Michael Perusich, who survives of the home.

Jo was a graduate of Smithton High School Class of 1981 and graduated from University of Central Missouri in 1985.  Jo also earned a Master’s Degree in 2013.  Jo worked for 10 years at Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City as the Assistant Director of Admissions and later as Director of Career Resources.  She later worked for Integrity Management as a consultant and lecturer.  She has been an instructor at State Fair Community College for the last 9 years.  Jo loved to teach and make people laugh.  Her big smile would brighten any room as she never met a stranger.  She took great pride in being a highly organized person and would joke about her type-A personality.  Jo loved going to the lake, watching her daughter and friends play soccer and her Bunco girls.  Always everyone’s best friend, Jo always put others first and could find the positive in any situation.

Besides her husband she is survived by a daughter McKenna Lee Perusich; a brother Bill McFarland and his wife Dena of Sedalia; several nieces and nephews including Bailey Parkhurst Smith (DeAndre Smith), Katy Parkhurst, Jackson Parkhurst, Morgan Parkhurst, Madelyn Parkhurst, Kenny Vaught (Lisa), Pam Vaught and Chris Kocsis, as well as several great nephews and nieces.

Besides her parents she was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Lorraine Kocsis and her brother-in-law Rainier Kocsis.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday January 24, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church Celebration Center with Pastor Jim Downing officiating.

A reception will immediately follow the service at the church.

Honorary bearers will be DeAndre Smith, Dylan Chevalier, Justin Meyers and Alexis Mateja.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to State Fair Community College Foundation in care of Rea Funeral Chapel.