Esther Ruth Sikkema

GAY ROAD – Esther Ruth Sikkema, 72, of Gay Road, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, January 8, 2017.

She was born on November 20, 1944, in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Gerrit and Dora Brus. She attended school downstate and attended beauty school.

She owned her own beauty-shop in Grand Rapids and was a mom to her family after her kids were born. She moved to the Copper Country in 1990.

She was a T.O.P.S. coordinator for years, helping with the U.P. Chapters.

She was married to William Sikkema at Sunshine Church in Grand Rapids on July 3, 1971.

Esther had been a member of Christ Community Church in Grand Rapids.

She enjoyed arranging flowers and volunteering for school events. She painted woodcarvings professionally done by her husband at “Wildlife in Wood Carvings.”

She is survived by her husband, William; three children, Jody (John) Suttles of Hancock, Troy Sikkema of Lake Linden, and Michael (Becky) Sikkema of Belding; six grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Nichole, Cassandra, Katie R. and Katie S. and Josie; “adopted daughter,” Patty Jo Gilliam; and sister, Gloria Patz.

Private Family services will be held.

The Pearce Funeral Home in Lake Linden is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at pearcefuneralhome.com.