Vestry Bios
Senior Warden: Amy Gardner
I (Amy) grew up in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Ohio. I married Jim while we were both attending Kenyon College. We will celebrate our 45th anniversary this August. We moved our family to Oklahoma in 1988 following graduate school at Michigan. One of our first adventures in Oklahoma was looking for a church and we found St. Michael's just a few blocks away. We came to Norman with two boys, Martin and William, and had Katie in 1991. Martin passed on in 2014 of undiagnosed cardiac problems. Will lives in LA where he is pursuing an acting career. Katie lives and works in OKC. We will be welcoming Christopher Rasberry to our family when he and Katie marry in April, 2019.
I work as a school psychologist for Norman Public Schools and am currently assigned to Norman High School. I will be retiring in May! Jim and I plan to travel and go camping to enjoy our retirement together. I have a million books to read, a sewing machine to master, and cross-stitch projects to finish.
I like to stay involved at St. Michael's. I knit with friends on Wednesday evenings and then go to choir practice. On Sundays I sing in the choir, volunteer to read, and am a lay eucharistic minister. I enjoy being with friends at Wicked Women and the book discussion group. I try to help with any activity at St. Michael's if I'm not otherwise busy!
I am part of the St. Michael's community because the dear people who attend this church have become part of my family. I have been supported following life changing events and cheered on when life was full of promise. I hope that all who come to St. Michael's find peace and grace.
One of my favorite quotes is: “It’s funny: I always imagined when I was a kid that adults had some kind of inner toolbox full of shiny tools: the saw of discernment, the hammer of wisdom, the sandpaper of patience. But then when I grew up I found that life handed you these rusty bent old tools – friendships, prayer, conscience, honesty – and said ‘do the best you can with these, they will have to do’. And mostly, against all odds, they do.” Anne Lamott, Traveling Mercies
I (Amy) grew up in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Ohio. I married Jim while we were both attending Kenyon College. We will celebrate our 45th anniversary this August. We moved our family to Oklahoma in 1988 following graduate school at Michigan. One of our first adventures in Oklahoma was looking for a church and we found St. Michael's just a few blocks away. We came to Norman with two boys, Martin and William, and had Katie in 1991. Martin passed on in 2014 of undiagnosed cardiac problems. Will lives in LA where he is pursuing an acting career. Katie lives and works in OKC. We will be welcoming Christopher Rasberry to our family when he and Katie marry in April, 2019.
I work as a school psychologist for Norman Public Schools and am currently assigned to Norman High School. I will be retiring in May! Jim and I plan to travel and go camping to enjoy our retirement together. I have a million books to read, a sewing machine to master, and cross-stitch projects to finish.
I like to stay involved at St. Michael's. I knit with friends on Wednesday evenings and then go to choir practice. On Sundays I sing in the choir, volunteer to read, and am a lay eucharistic minister. I enjoy being with friends at Wicked Women and the book discussion group. I try to help with any activity at St. Michael's if I'm not otherwise busy!
I am part of the St. Michael's community because the dear people who attend this church have become part of my family. I have been supported following life changing events and cheered on when life was full of promise. I hope that all who come to St. Michael's find peace and grace.
One of my favorite quotes is: “It’s funny: I always imagined when I was a kid that adults had some kind of inner toolbox full of shiny tools: the saw of discernment, the hammer of wisdom, the sandpaper of patience. But then when I grew up I found that life handed you these rusty bent old tools – friendships, prayer, conscience, honesty – and said ‘do the best you can with these, they will have to do’. And mostly, against all odds, they do.” Anne Lamott, Traveling Mercies
Clerk of the Vestry: Kathy Rodriguez
I am a lifelong Episcopalian who has served in many ministries over the years. I have been Senior Warden, Clerk, Treasurer, Vestry member, Search Committee Chair, choir, on many ministry teams and pew sitter. I love Jesus Christ. I love my husband and family near and far. I love my friends. I love my horse!! I love my life and good health.... most days. I love to chat and laugh. I love St. Michael's Church where I worship, gather, laugh, cry, pray, sing and visit. Peter and I arrived at St. Michael's July of 2003 and have never left. We were married in the Episcopal church and our children were baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal Church. I love the inclusiveness of the Episcopal Church as I value the life of every human being. As far as being asked to be clerk of the vestry, I shall serve..... for now!!
I am a lifelong Episcopalian who has served in many ministries over the years. I have been Senior Warden, Clerk, Treasurer, Vestry member, Search Committee Chair, choir, on many ministry teams and pew sitter. I love Jesus Christ. I love my husband and family near and far. I love my friends. I love my horse!! I love my life and good health.... most days. I love to chat and laugh. I love St. Michael's Church where I worship, gather, laugh, cry, pray, sing and visit. Peter and I arrived at St. Michael's July of 2003 and have never left. We were married in the Episcopal church and our children were baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal Church. I love the inclusiveness of the Episcopal Church as I value the life of every human being. As far as being asked to be clerk of the vestry, I shall serve..... for now!!
Junior Warden: Carolyn E. Demps
Carolyn began attending St. Michael’s in November 2013, shortly after moving to Norman on the recommendation of a neighbor. She was raised in Baptist and Methodist churches in Walters, Lawton and Oklahoma City.
She has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from the University of Oklahoma. Her work experience was 30 years with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. She began as a Social Worker in Oklahoma County and retired as Associate Director in 2001.
After her retirement she married Benjamin Demps Jr. and they lived in Port Charlotte, Florida, until his death in January of 2013. They were avid travelers and visited the Caribbean, Europe and Central America many times. She has two adult children, Stephen in Norman and Kathleen in Oklahoma City. She also has two step daughters and three step grandchildren.
As a member of St. Michael’s she is active with the knitting group and volunteers in the Food for Friends ministry. She attended Cursillo in 2015 on the recommendation and encouragement of Sharon Vaz.
In addition to her activities at church she volunteers at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art on the campus of the University of Oklahoma where she is a docent. She also delivers meals for Meals on Wheels in Cleveland County and works one day a week at the L & B Yarn company in Norman.
She enjoys walking her dog Benji, reading, knitting and yard work of all kinds. She is currently renovating a home she purchased in March of this year.
Carolyn began attending St. Michael’s in November 2013, shortly after moving to Norman on the recommendation of a neighbor. She was raised in Baptist and Methodist churches in Walters, Lawton and Oklahoma City.
She has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from the University of Oklahoma. Her work experience was 30 years with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. She began as a Social Worker in Oklahoma County and retired as Associate Director in 2001.
After her retirement she married Benjamin Demps Jr. and they lived in Port Charlotte, Florida, until his death in January of 2013. They were avid travelers and visited the Caribbean, Europe and Central America many times. She has two adult children, Stephen in Norman and Kathleen in Oklahoma City. She also has two step daughters and three step grandchildren.
As a member of St. Michael’s she is active with the knitting group and volunteers in the Food for Friends ministry. She attended Cursillo in 2015 on the recommendation and encouragement of Sharon Vaz.
In addition to her activities at church she volunteers at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art on the campus of the University of Oklahoma where she is a docent. She also delivers meals for Meals on Wheels in Cleveland County and works one day a week at the L & B Yarn company in Norman.
She enjoys walking her dog Benji, reading, knitting and yard work of all kinds. She is currently renovating a home she purchased in March of this year.
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
David Zittel
My family and I joined St. Michael’s in the summer of 1988. Besides singing in the choir, I have been active in youth activities, lay reading, served on the vestry, and served as senior warden. I was born in New York City in 1948 but at age 7 my family moved to Kansas. After graduating from Wichita High School North in 1966, I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Washington, Seattle, in 1970. After graduation, I started working at the National Severe Storms Laboratory in February 1971 and in 1980 joined the NEXRAD weather radar program where I continue to work. I met my wife Mary Meacham while attending St. John’s here in Norman and we were married in November 1971. Our daughter Rosemary was born in August 1982 and and she and her husband live in Zurich, Switzerland. We have one grandson Sebastian born September 2018. Besides church activities, I sing in the Norman Singers of the Norman Community Choral Society. Also, I like to read especially science fiction and fantasy. Mary and I like to visit our daughter in Switzerland and like traveling in Europe. I have enjoyed my years at St. Michael's because it is warm and welcoming.
My family and I joined St. Michael’s in the summer of 1988. Besides singing in the choir, I have been active in youth activities, lay reading, served on the vestry, and served as senior warden. I was born in New York City in 1948 but at age 7 my family moved to Kansas. After graduating from Wichita High School North in 1966, I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Washington, Seattle, in 1970. After graduation, I started working at the National Severe Storms Laboratory in February 1971 and in 1980 joined the NEXRAD weather radar program where I continue to work. I met my wife Mary Meacham while attending St. John’s here in Norman and we were married in November 1971. Our daughter Rosemary was born in August 1982 and and she and her husband live in Zurich, Switzerland. We have one grandson Sebastian born September 2018. Besides church activities, I sing in the Norman Singers of the Norman Community Choral Society. Also, I like to read especially science fiction and fantasy. Mary and I like to visit our daughter in Switzerland and like traveling in Europe. I have enjoyed my years at St. Michael's because it is warm and welcoming.
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.
Suzanne Followwill-Kidd
Suzanne has a multi-faceted background from living in New York, Hawaii, Atlanta, the Dallas-Fort Worth suburbs, and the Alabama Gulf Coast. However, she calls Oklahoma and New York home. Her grandfather owned Elm Street grocery, which later became Midway grocery on the corner of Chautauqua and Eufaula, and her paternal grandfather was a Norman police officer. Not only does she have memories shared of Norman’s early years from a large family and circle of friends, but Suzanne can remember a few of the old days as well!
Suzanne is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Radio/TV/Film from the Gaylord College. Her diverse experience includes retail management, PR and fashion promotion, film and broadcast, event planning, community involvement, and philanthropy. She presently has her own company where she is creative director for millinery, floral and the occasional special event.
Her Christian background has embraced Free Will Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian traditions, and her travels and relocation to other places have provided the opportunity to experience a faith journey that brought her closer to God and others. The journey has reinforced her conviction that we are all here to aid each other. She feels that St. Michael’s and Father Jason have been supportive and helpful through a difficult time in her life. Their prayers and love made all the difference!
Suzanne has a multi-faceted background from living in New York, Hawaii, Atlanta, the Dallas-Fort Worth suburbs, and the Alabama Gulf Coast. However, she calls Oklahoma and New York home. Her grandfather owned Elm Street grocery, which later became Midway grocery on the corner of Chautauqua and Eufaula, and her paternal grandfather was a Norman police officer. Not only does she have memories shared of Norman’s early years from a large family and circle of friends, but Suzanne can remember a few of the old days as well!
Suzanne is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Radio/TV/Film from the Gaylord College. Her diverse experience includes retail management, PR and fashion promotion, film and broadcast, event planning, community involvement, and philanthropy. She presently has her own company where she is creative director for millinery, floral and the occasional special event.
Her Christian background has embraced Free Will Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian traditions, and her travels and relocation to other places have provided the opportunity to experience a faith journey that brought her closer to God and others. The journey has reinforced her conviction that we are all here to aid each other. She feels that St. Michael’s and Father Jason have been supportive and helpful through a difficult time in her life. Their prayers and love made all the difference!
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.
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 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."
Debi Smith
My late husband David and I started attending St.Michael's in 2010. We loved the welcoming, spiritual feeling when we walked in the doors.
I asked our priest at the time why we didn't have an ECW and next thing I knew we had one and I was the president. . ( Thank you Susie and Tonnie. I've since learned the term "voluntold"
I've been part of ECW since then 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 sons. Erik and Shawn. Grandchildren Maddie, Brendan and Isabel. I live with my furbabies, Roxy, Mr. Beans and Tiger. I will marry my best friend Don in October of this year, 2019
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.
I'm looking forward to working with the vestry and helping our church to continue to grow.
My late husband David and I started attending St.Michael's in 2010. We loved the welcoming, spiritual feeling when we walked in the doors.
I asked our priest at the time why we didn't have an ECW and next thing I knew we had one and I was the president. . ( Thank you Susie and Tonnie. I've since learned the term "voluntold"
I've been part of ECW since then 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 sons. Erik and Shawn. Grandchildren Maddie, Brendan and Isabel. I live with my furbabies, Roxy, Mr. Beans and Tiger. I will marry my best friend Don in October of this year, 2019
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.
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.
David McCallister
I've been a member of St.Michael's since the beginning except for a 31 year break. I found St.Michael's on The Way from a different tradition. I love St. Michaels' for letting me grow and be myself.
I am open to The One and being who and what I am.
I've been a member of St.Michael's since the beginning except for a 31 year break. I found St.Michael's on The Way from a different tradition. I love St. Michaels' for letting me grow and be myself.
I am open to The One and being who and what I am.