Vestry Bios
Senior Warden: Judy Phillips
I grew up in the small town of Patchogue, New York, on the south shore of Long Island. I was always near a beach--many beaches--and that is what I miss most about living in Oklahoma. Otherwise, I have been very happy here. I moved to Norman in 1981 to join the History faculty at the University of Oklahoma, and retired at the end of the Fall 2017 semester. My field is British and European history.
I have been married to Tim Phillips since 2016. We both sing in the St Michael's choir, where we met. I have one daughter, Laura, from a long-ago first marriage. She and I started attending St Mike's in 1997, I think, and officially got baptized, confirmed, and joined in 1998. She now lives in the Dallas area. Thanks to her and her husband Micah, I have three grandchildren. In addition to work, church and family, I guess I have three hobbies: cooking, crocheting, and traveling.
I have served before on vestry and was Senior Warden during the transition years from Jack Wilcox to Alan Sutherland. It was difficult in part because it took a while to get an interim;, so I was responsible for finding a worship leader every Sunday for months, as well as for holding our community together during that time. I am part of the St Michael's community because I have found it so warm, welcoming, and accepting, a community that "walks the walk."
I have been married to Tim Phillips since 2016. We both sing in the St Michael's choir, where we met. I have one daughter, Laura, from a long-ago first marriage. She and I started attending St Mike's in 1997, I think, and officially got baptized, confirmed, and joined in 1998. She now lives in the Dallas area. Thanks to her and her husband Micah, I have three grandchildren. In addition to work, church and family, I guess I have three hobbies: cooking, crocheting, and traveling.
I have served before on vestry and was Senior Warden during the transition years from Jack Wilcox to Alan Sutherland. It was difficult in part because it took a while to get an interim;, so I was responsible for finding a worship leader every Sunday for months, as well as for holding our community together during that time. I am part of the St Michael's community because I have found it so warm, welcoming, and accepting, a community that "walks the walk."
Clerk of the Vestry: Tim Phillips
Junior Warden: Tina Mahle
I was born and raised in Minneapolis MN, at Plymouth Congregational Church. I graduated from West High School "Cowboys" in 1971. My family of six enjoyed four seasons of sports and recreation, and had horses.
After two years at the University of Miami in Coral Gables Florida, I married and moved to Oklahoma. I graduated from The University of Oklahoma in 1976, with a Bachelor of Science in Health Physical Educ & Recreation (HPER). I taught Phys Ed and coached for four years at Whittier Middle School here in Norman. I played competitive softball and soccer, and refereed soccer from 1979 to 2003.
My second marriage gave us a son, Jonathan Bogle, who was married by Fr. Alan in 1994. Heather and her daughter Stella, were joined by grandson Jonas in 1995.
I am now retired from OU staff after 28 years as a staff accountant; remarried to Tom Tahkofper (Comanche). I enjoy singing in the choir, as I did in Mpls. I now look forward to serving my church-family home as their Junior Warden, 2020.
I was born and raised in Minneapolis MN, at Plymouth Congregational Church. I graduated from West High School "Cowboys" in 1971. My family of six enjoyed four seasons of sports and recreation, and had horses.
After two years at the University of Miami in Coral Gables Florida, I married and moved to Oklahoma. I graduated from The University of Oklahoma in 1976, with a Bachelor of Science in Health Physical Educ & Recreation (HPER). I taught Phys Ed and coached for four years at Whittier Middle School here in Norman. I played competitive softball and soccer, and refereed soccer from 1979 to 2003.
My second marriage gave us a son, Jonathan Bogle, who was married by Fr. Alan in 1994. Heather and her daughter Stella, were joined by grandson Jonas in 1995.
I am now retired from OU staff after 28 years as a staff accountant; remarried to Tom Tahkofper (Comanche). I enjoy singing in the choir, as I did in Mpls. I now look forward to serving my church-family home as their Junior Warden, 2020.
Tim Kellogg
Tim Kellogg is married to Judy and father of Katie Kellogg-Marlow and Mike Marlow. He has two grandchildren, Bodhi and Maddox Marlow. Hold still for a minute and you'll be inundated with their pictures! He currently works as a Paramedic/System Controller with EMSA in Oklahoma City where he has been employed since 2000. He has been a member of St.Mike's since about 1993.
Tim has been active in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Search and Rescue and served as Sunday school teacher and Superintendent of Christian Education at a previous parish. Tim graduated from EFM in 2017 and will be happy to discuss it with you if you're at all interested. Tim is something of a history buff, loves to read, plays computer and Historical Miniatures wargames. (Try not to hold that against him) Tim is committed to a growing, inclusive parish, welcoming to all and refusing none.
Should you wish to contact him, the best method is by email or cellphone. If he cannot answer right away please leave a message and he will get back to you as soon as he can. tkellogg@yahoo.com 405-623-2797
Tim Kellogg is married to Judy and father of Katie Kellogg-Marlow and Mike Marlow. He has two grandchildren, Bodhi and Maddox Marlow. Hold still for a minute and you'll be inundated with their pictures! He currently works as a Paramedic/System Controller with EMSA in Oklahoma City where he has been employed since 2000. He has been a member of St.Mike's since about 1993.
Tim has been active in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Search and Rescue and served as Sunday school teacher and Superintendent of Christian Education at a previous parish. Tim graduated from EFM in 2017 and will be happy to discuss it with you if you're at all interested. Tim is something of a history buff, loves to read, plays computer and Historical Miniatures wargames. (Try not to hold that against him) Tim is committed to a growing, inclusive parish, welcoming to all and refusing none.
Should you wish to contact him, the best method is by email or cellphone. If he cannot answer right away please leave a message and he will get back to you as soon as he can. tkellogg@yahoo.com 405-623-2797
John Hartley
John is a cradle Episcopalian and has been a member of St Michael’s Church since 1985. He is a member of the Choir, active lector, and has served on the Vestry and as a delegate to diocesan convention several times. He is a retired archaeologist, having worked for several universities and state or federal agencies in his career. His wife is Basha Hartley and they have three grown children.
John is a cradle Episcopalian and has been a member of St Michael’s Church since 1985. He is a member of the Choir, active lector, and has served on the Vestry and as a delegate to diocesan convention several times. He is a retired archaeologist, having worked for several universities and state or federal agencies in his career. His wife is Basha Hartley and they have three grown children.
Nelson Dent
Nelson is a cradle Episcopalian, born and raised outside of Washington, D.C. After obtaining my Bachelor of Arts degree in Virginia, I moved to Oklahoma where LaVetta and I were married in 2000 and joined St. Michael’s. In 2004, our son Mason was born and was baptized at St. Michael’s. With two master’s degrees from Oklahoma City University and the University of Oklahoma, I am a librarian and trainer for the Pioneer Library System and serve on the City of Norman ADA Citizens Advisory Committee in Norman, Oklahoma.
While currently serving on Vestry and outreach with Invite-Welcome-Connect, I previously served as: Usher, Lay Reader, Oblationer, Crucifer, Altar Guild, Food for Shelter, and co-chaired various church committees over the years. Aside from church activities, I collect and restore fountain pens, listen to KGOU’s Jazz radio network, and cook outdoors with my beloved Weber grills. I am part of St. Michael’s community because our parish is a welcoming place where I hope that all who come to St. Michael's finds peace and grace.
Nelson is a cradle Episcopalian, born and raised outside of Washington, D.C. After obtaining my Bachelor of Arts degree in Virginia, I moved to Oklahoma where LaVetta and I were married in 2000 and joined St. Michael’s. In 2004, our son Mason was born and was baptized at St. Michael’s. With two master’s degrees from Oklahoma City University and the University of Oklahoma, I am a librarian and trainer for the Pioneer Library System and serve on the City of Norman ADA Citizens Advisory Committee in Norman, Oklahoma.
While currently serving on Vestry and outreach with Invite-Welcome-Connect, I previously served as: Usher, Lay Reader, Oblationer, Crucifer, Altar Guild, Food for Shelter, and co-chaired various church committees over the years. Aside from church activities, I collect and restore fountain pens, listen to KGOU’s Jazz radio network, and cook outdoors with my beloved Weber grills. I am part of St. Michael’s community because our parish is a welcoming place where I hope that all who come to St. Michael's finds peace and grace.
Tonya Fleming
I grew up in Newton Falls, Ohio, a small town, 45 miles southeast of Cleveland.
I am married to Dennis "Joey" Fleming. We have known each other all our lives. We have been married for 11 years. Between the two of us, we have 6 kids, Maria (30), Sebastain (25), Brittani (23), Brenden (22), Deacon (11), and Tyson (5). We have 4 granddaughters and 1 grandson.
I moved to Oklahoma in August of 2007. I was a member of Chrismatic Episcopal Church. After moving to Oklahoma, I struggled to find a church that I loved. I attended many different churches over 12 years. Then on January 1, 2019, I decided that I needed a change and that change began with my walk with God. I looked up Episcopal churches in Norman and decided to attend St Michael's. I have not looked back since then.
I am retired Navy. I was honored to carry on the family tradition of serving our country. I have my BS in Psychology from Bowie State University, where I graduated cum laude. In 2010, I was ordained through Open Ministry as a wedding officiant. I work for World Heritage as an area representative and for OU football as a security guard. I am currently in year 1 of Education for Ministry (EFM). I am also co-chair for Episcopal Church Women (ECW).
Thank you for opportunity to serve on Vestry. I look forward to serving this great community.
I grew up in Newton Falls, Ohio, a small town, 45 miles southeast of Cleveland.
I am married to Dennis "Joey" Fleming. We have known each other all our lives. We have been married for 11 years. Between the two of us, we have 6 kids, Maria (30), Sebastain (25), Brittani (23), Brenden (22), Deacon (11), and Tyson (5). We have 4 granddaughters and 1 grandson.
I moved to Oklahoma in August of 2007. I was a member of Chrismatic Episcopal Church. After moving to Oklahoma, I struggled to find a church that I loved. I attended many different churches over 12 years. Then on January 1, 2019, I decided that I needed a change and that change began with my walk with God. I looked up Episcopal churches in Norman and decided to attend St Michael's. I have not looked back since then.
I am retired Navy. I was honored to carry on the family tradition of serving our country. I have my BS in Psychology from Bowie State University, where I graduated cum laude. In 2010, I was ordained through Open Ministry as a wedding officiant. I work for World Heritage as an area representative and for OU football as a security guard. I am currently in year 1 of Education for Ministry (EFM). I am also co-chair for Episcopal Church Women (ECW).
Thank you for opportunity to serve on Vestry. I look forward to serving this great community.
Randy Witzke
Suzanne and I have attended St. Michael’s since 1986. We have been married since 1984. We have two daughters, Margaret and Madeline. Margaret’s partner is Matthew; Madeline’s husband is Ryan. We live in South OKC.
I am an attorney. I am General Counsel for a family of companies operating under the name “Solitaire”. The companies are engaged in the manufactured home industry. Suzanne works in the Pioneer Library system.
I am part of the St. Michael’s community because Suzanne and I both love the timeless beauty and thoughtfulness of the Episcopal church’s Liturgy; the focus on a God of love, not a God of judgment, and the openness of the Church to all. We find St. Michael’s to be open, loving, inclusive, and welcoming. We have seen many changes in the world, in the community, and at St. Michael’s over the years; but the unwavering commitment to unity, service and love shown by St. Michael’s remains a constant.
Suzanne and I have attended St. Michael’s since 1986. We have been married since 1984. We have two daughters, Margaret and Madeline. Margaret’s partner is Matthew; Madeline’s husband is Ryan. We live in South OKC.
I am an attorney. I am General Counsel for a family of companies operating under the name “Solitaire”. The companies are engaged in the manufactured home industry. Suzanne works in the Pioneer Library system.
I am part of the St. Michael’s community because Suzanne and I both love the timeless beauty and thoughtfulness of the Episcopal church’s Liturgy; the focus on a God of love, not a God of judgment, and the openness of the Church to all. We find St. Michael’s to be open, loving, inclusive, and welcoming. We have seen many changes in the world, in the community, and at St. Michael’s over the years; but the unwavering commitment to unity, service and love shown by St. Michael’s remains a constant.
Debi Kelley
I came to St.Mikes in 2010 with my late husband David. It has been a wonderful journey being part of this incredible community.
I've been active in ECW since 2011 and helped start our yearly Chili Cook Off, Bake Sale and Celebrate St.Michael's Event.
I've served on the Altar Guild, been a reader and oblationer. Each year I'm involved with the Norman Community Dinner.
The thing I am most proud was starting is our now Annual Women's Retreat in 2013. It has continued to be a spiritual, relaxing time for the women of St.Michael's.
I have two adult sons. Erik and Shawn. grandchildren Maddie and Brendan Smith. My husband Don has three adult children, Sarah, Hannah and Lucas. We are the definition of a blended family.
I love to machine embroider and quilt. I am a modern quilter. I love working with bright colors and free motion designs. I am also an avid reader, love to cook and bake.
I'm looking forward to working with the vestry and helping our church to continue to grow.
I came to St.Mikes in 2010 with my late husband David. It has been a wonderful journey being part of this incredible community.
I've been active in ECW since 2011 and helped start our yearly Chili Cook Off, Bake Sale and Celebrate St.Michael's Event.
I've served on the Altar Guild, been a reader and oblationer. Each year I'm involved with the Norman Community Dinner.
The thing I am most proud was starting is our now Annual Women's Retreat in 2013. It has continued to be a spiritual, relaxing time for the women of St.Michael's.
I have two adult sons. Erik and Shawn. grandchildren Maddie and Brendan Smith. My husband Don has three adult children, Sarah, Hannah and Lucas. We are the definition of a blended family.
I love to machine embroider and quilt. I am a modern quilter. I love working with bright colors and free motion designs. I am also an avid reader, love to cook and bake.
I'm looking forward to working with the vestry and helping our church to continue to grow.
Suzette McDowell
I wheeled in the doors of St.Michael's with a broken foot in 2014. I loved the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
When I was a public school teacher, it was easy to know what I was supposed to be doing, giving energy, thought and love to my students in the hope that education would afford them a better start in life. Now I am a volunteer for numerous groups and organizations all of which seem to have the basic purpose of support for humankind’s welfare.Thirty-eight years ago, I came to Norman to study literature and drama at the University of Oklahoma. I did not leave town after completing my masters degree but continued living in the same old house in the Miller Historic District.
Now I am a widow; my husband John who passed in June of 2018 really loved being part of St. Michael’s. He felt very comfortable to tell people there his corny jokes every Sunday
I have a son, a daughter, two granddaughters, and one great grandson. My girls are all Episcopalians; their former church was St. Luke’s, Bartlesville,Ok.
I love dogs. My current best friend is a poodle mix rescue that I named Marie Curie.
I am half French Canadian and half Missouri Anglo Saxon which may account for my confusions.
I wheeled in the doors of St.Michael's with a broken foot in 2014. I loved the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
When I was a public school teacher, it was easy to know what I was supposed to be doing, giving energy, thought and love to my students in the hope that education would afford them a better start in life. Now I am a volunteer for numerous groups and organizations all of which seem to have the basic purpose of support for humankind’s welfare.Thirty-eight years ago, I came to Norman to study literature and drama at the University of Oklahoma. I did not leave town after completing my masters degree but continued living in the same old house in the Miller Historic District.
Now I am a widow; my husband John who passed in June of 2018 really loved being part of St. Michael’s. He felt very comfortable to tell people there his corny jokes every Sunday
I have a son, a daughter, two granddaughters, and one great grandson. My girls are all Episcopalians; their former church was St. Luke’s, Bartlesville,Ok.
I love dogs. My current best friend is a poodle mix rescue that I named Marie Curie.
I am half French Canadian and half Missouri Anglo Saxon which may account for my confusions.
Brandt Cassidy