Patricia P. Perusich

Patricia Joann (Phillips) Perusich, 85, passed away September 10, 2021 at her home at John Knox Village in Lee's Summit, MO.

Pat was born September 28, 1935, in Independence, MO, the only child of Ogden Elliott and Johnnie Florette (Preston) Phillips. She graduated Valedictorian from Northeast High School Class of 1953. Pat later received Bachelor's degrees in 1969 and in 1977 from Avila College. She earned her Master's degree in Educational Administration from the University of Kansas in 1979.

Pat was united in marriage to Robert Lee Perusich on June 1, 1956. They were blessed with a son Michael, and a granddaughter McKenna. Bob preceded her in death on November 10, 2019.

Pat's career in education began teaching Business at Bishop Miege High School in Mission, KS. She later taught at Ward High School in Kansas City, KS and the Kansas City Area Vocational Technical School in Kansas City, KS. She served as Vice Principal at Westport High School in Kansas City, MO and served on the North Central Evaluation Team at St. John's Military Academy in Salina, KS. She also worked as an Accounting Manager in private industry.

Pat was very active in the communities in which she resided. At Ararat Shrine Temple in Kansas City, Pat served as President of the Greeterettes and President of the Central States Greeterette Shrine Association. In 2004, Pat was First Lady of Ararat Shrine Temple alongside Bob who served that year as Potentate. Pat was a member of the Daughters of the Confederacy. As a Daughter of the American Revolution, Pat served as Regent Titus of Travis Chapter, Dallas, and as Regent Dallas of the Area Regents Council, Dallas, TX. She was honored with the Medal of Appreciation from the Sons of the American Revolution, Dallas. Most recently, Pat was a member of the Regent Osage Chapter in Sedalia, MO. While residing in Leawood, KS, Pat served as President of the Huntington Farms Homes Association. In Sedalia, MO, she served as President of Chapter LQ of PEO, Treasurer of the Helen G. Steele Music Club, Recording Secretary of the Sorosis Club and was a member of the First United Methodist Church. After moving to John Knox Village in Lee's Summit, Bob and Pat became members of the First Presbyterian Church.

Along with her parents and husband Bob, Pat was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, JoAnn Perusich. Survivors include her son, Dr. Michael Perusich, and granddaughter, McKenna Lee Perusich, as well as other family members including Bob's family, the Preston family and many friends.

Visitation will begin at 3:00 pm, followed by a service celebrating Pat’s life at 4:00 pm, on Thursday, September 16, at the Park Lawn Chapel, 8251 Hillcrest Road, Kansas City, MO. Private burial will be Friday, September 17, at Mount Moriah Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Ararat Shrine Hospital Transportation Fund, 5100 Ararat Drive, Kansas City, MO 64129.

Visitation will begin at 3:00 pm, followed by a service celebrating Pat’s life at 4:00 pm, on Thursday, September 16, at the Park Lawn Chapel, 8251 Hillcrest Road, Kansas City, MO. Private burial will be Friday, September 17, at Mount Moriah Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Ararat Shrine Hospital Transportation Fund, 5100 Ararat Drive, Kansas City, MO 64129.