Melrena Phillips, long time resident of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, passed from this life on December 30, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was born on October 26, 1931, to Melvin and Ethel Birdwell. She was the youngest of three girls. Mel grew up in southern Oklahoma, living around the oil fields of Carter County. She graduated from Dundee High School in 1949. She attended Oklahoma Baptist University, where she graduated with a degree in Home Economics. Upon graduation, she moved to Sapulpa and began her career with OG&E, where she worked as a home economist.

Shortly after moving to Sapulpa, Mel met Bill Phillips, and they were married on August 26, 1955. They were married for 40 years before his passing. They were blessed with two daughters.

After staying at home while her children were young, Mel returned to work as a teacher's aide at Lone Star School. She then worked in the attendance office at Washington Elementary. From there she worked in the Creek County Court Clerk's office, Creek County Superintendent's office, and retired from the Creek County Industrial Authority.

Mel loved her family dearly. She had a great zest for life and her inclination to mischief brought laughter and joy to all who knew her. She loved spending time with her family and entertaining friends at her cabin on Grand Lake. She had a great competitive spirit, was an avid sports fan, and loved to play bridge.

Mel is survived by her daughters, Michelle Sumner, and her husband Brett, and Melissa Causby and her husband Topper. She is also survived by four grandchildren Ashley Schoelen and her husband Brent, Matt Sumner and his wife Stefanie, Meghan Barrett and her husband Blake and Makenzie Causby. She had four great grandchildren Jett and Lola Schoelen, Sophie Sumner, and Nolan Barrett.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to the sixth-floor nursing staff at St. John Hospital in Broken Arrow for their superb care and attention, as well as a special thank you to the Parke Assisted Living, for their constant love, support and extraordinary care, especially in her final days.

Mel requested that no formal funeral services be held. The family is planning a private celebration of life in her memory.

Arrangements are under the direction of Traditions Funeral and Cremation Services, 35 S. Main, Kellyville, OK, 918-247-7373.