Former Nazarene missionary Paula K. (Skiles) St. John of Olathe, Kansas, passed away June 22. She was 60.

The daughter of Paul and Maxine Skiles, she graduated with a degree in French at Bethany Nazarene College, now Southern Nazarene University. She married Kelvin St. John in 1977.

The couple was appointed missionaries in 1980 and arrived in Guatemala in 1982 following language study in Costa Rica. They were assigned to coordinate literature development for Mayan Nazarenes on the region.

Under their direction, four Guatemalan literature committees were formed in the languages of K'ekchi, Pokomchi, Rabinal Achi, and Quiche.

Translation projects included gospel tracts, doctrinal booklets, hymns, portions of the Nazarene Manual, Sunday School lessons, new believer Bible studies, coloring books, lay training materials, and missionary reading course materials.

While in Guatemala, they served with Jerry D. Porter and his wife, Toni. Jerry Porter is now a general superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene.

"Paula was a warm-hearted, fun-loving missionary," Porter said. "She had a way of making everyone feel important and appreciated. We grieve her untimely death and celebrate her life."

The St. Johns concluded their service as missionaries 1992. Paula had been teaching in the Blue Valley school system for several years and Kelvin teaches at MidAmerica Nazarene University.

In addition to her parents and husband, Paula St. John is survived by her daughter, Kristen, and son, Kyle (Tera).

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday at College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe. Viewing is at 10:00 a.m. and the service is at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions The Paula St. John Education Scholarship Fund c/o Overland Park Church of the Nazarene 9030 Lamar Ave. Overland Park, KS 66207.

To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.PenwellGabelOlathe.com.

More information will be posted when it's made available.