Monica Star Perez

Monica Star Perez entered her new life in heaven on September 4, 2019. She was a resident of Niceville, Florida where she loved soaking up sunshine and yoga on the beach. Monica was born June 3, 1984, in New Albany, Indiana. She was the daughter of Lee and Brenda Strassell of Holton. Monica was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Osgood. She graduated from South Ripley High School in 2002 and went directly into the United States Air Force with unwavering determination to make our country stronger after 9/11. She ended her career with the U.S.A.F. in 2013.

Culinary Arts was her passion. She loved cooking and worked to assure everyone had a satisfied palette, especially her friends and family. She studied culinary arts in both Georgia and Florida. Monica, “Chef Star,” worked at The Spice and Tea Exchange in Destin, Florida where she blended spices and teas from around the world. She also created the number one, best-selling blend in the Destin store, Panhandle Blackening with Datil peppers. Monica specialized in making blends for those with food allergies, or with varied culinary tastes. She especially enjoyed traveling on Cafe Rico, a food truck, to different locations and events. It gave her great satisfaction to serve people from all over the country with her foods.

While she loved living in other areas, Monica also loved her country roots. When she visited home, she delighted in camping, riding horses, and visiting with her extended family. Rarely, did she not have a wonderfully prepared meal or special dessert served up for a family gathering. Monica could not mask her pleasure of serving others.

She is survived by a sister, Martha; a nephew, Landon; a niece, Ally; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, September 21 at the home of her parents in Holton.