Elaine Joan Sikkenga's Obituary
Elaine Joan Sikkenga, age 92, passed away Sunday, October 22, 2017. She was born January 14, 1925 in Chicago, IL to Thomas and Elna (McInnis) Ballantyne. On February 26, 1957, she married William “Bill” Sikkenga. He preceded her in death on June 22, 1960. As a young mother, she and her son, Steven, traveled the country in their small travel trailer named “Pinky.” Elaine graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. She taught third-grade for 20 years at Twin Lake Elementary before retiring. Later, she spent many winters in Florida to get away from the snow. Elaine was formerly a member of Dalton Baptist Church, but most recently attended First Baptist Church in Muskegon. She spent the last 11 months at White Lake Assisted Living, where she was given exceptional care. Special thanks to Sarah, Abby, Petra, and the staff of White Lake Assisted Living. SURVIVORS include her son, Steven (Laura) Sikkenga of N. Muskegon; 2 grandchildren: Eliott and Joslyn Sikkenga; her beloved parrot, “Peedro”; brother-in-law, Jim (Kay) Sikkenga of Norton Shores; sister-in-law, Dorothy “Dottie” (Dick, deceased) Bishop of Whitehall; numerous nieces and nephews; and dear friends, Ted and Pat Weirenga of N. Muskegon. She was also preceded in death by 2 brothers: Bill and Don Ballantyne; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Raymond “Moe” (Pat) Sikkenga. VISITATION with the family will start at 2:00 PM on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at The Sytsema Chapel, 737 Apple Ave., (231) 726-5210 with A MEMORIAL SERVICE to follow at 3:00 PM with Rev. John H. Brown officiating. Memorial contributions to the Land Conservancy of West Michigan will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
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