Ellen died July 27 fulfilling her hearts desire to be with her Lord and Savior. Her family and friends will celebrate her life on Thursday, August 1st 4pm at Sunset Manor Chapel.
Ellen was born in Highland, MI to Henry and Alice (DeHaan) Sikkema. She will be dearly missed by her siblings Henry (Hank) Sikkema and Joanne (Don) McKisson ofArizona, sister-in-law Virginia Whip and brother-in-law Donald Whip, her children Ted (Kathy) Whip and Tim (Lisa) Whip of Alaska, Mary (Tom) Westerhof, and Gary Whip, foster children Steve, Albert, Jeannie, and Arnie and many more. Ellen had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be reunited with her husband Theodore, son Thomas, and daughter Patricia, who preceded her in death.
Ellen moved to Alaska in 1959 with her husband, four children, and her brother. She fell in love with the mountains, land, and its people, fostering more than 50 native children. She was active at Trinity Church and was like a mother to many who were far from home and needed extra love. Ellen was a great prayer warrior—bringing the needs of others to the Lord. Her favorite place was the fish site where she could walk the beach, take in the splendor of the mountains, and hear the waves crashing. When Ted and Ellen moved to Hawaii, Ellen became active in the Church, Senior Center, Handbell choir, Hospice, and Red Cross. Ellen loved swimming in the ocean, the flowers, and the friendly people she met in Hawaii. She spent hours writing letters to stay in touch with her many friends, and she corresponded with missionaries and prisoners. When her health was failing, Ellen moved back to Michigan where she cherished being closer to family. She made more friends and loved spending time at the Senior Center and with her communities at New Amsterdam Village and Sunset Manor. Ellen graced this world with kindness, strength and toughness, and an unbelievable amount of love. She will be missed by many.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5