Jaunita K. Novak, age 89, of Iberia, passed away on Friday, July 28, 2017, at Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach. She was born in Iberia on May 3, 1928, daughter of the late Arthur Herbert and Clarice (Gardner) Perkins. On August 7, 1965, in Liberty, Missouri, Jaunita married Joseph Thomas Novak, who survives at their home.

Jaunita is a 1946 graduate of Iberia High School. After graduation, she attended the Iberia Junior Academy and College at Warrensburg earning her degree in teaching. Jaunita's teaching career spanned 32 years. During that time, she taught elementary and music at Iberia Schools and was the fourth-grade teacher at Northfleet Elementary School in Raytown.

After retirement, Jaunita continued to work at various jobs including First Naitonal Bank in Liberty, Ethan Allen Gallery, Farm Bureau Insurance and Real Estate, and Donnelly and Company.

In 1990, Jaunita and her husband Tom moved to Iberia, where they enjoyed their retirement together. Jaunita was a member of Who's Who of American Women, Missouri Retired Teachers Association, Kappa Kappa Iota Teachers Sorority, Iberia Cemetery Board, Board of Iberia Friendship Hall, Community Betterment Association, and the Iberia Baptist Church.

In addition to her loving husband, Tom Novak, she is also survived by three sisters-in-law, Carol Sneller, Janice Russell, and JoAnn Biggerstaff; one brother-in-law, Larry Novak; and several nieces, nephews, family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Beatrice Perkins.

Visitation will be held from 12 (noon) to 2 p.m., with services immediately following at 2 p.m., on Monday, July 31, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Homes in Iberia. Bro. Ernie Miller and Bro. Roy Bryant will officiate. Interment will be in Iberia Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Iberia Cemetery.