Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Fulton, IL. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. at the church, officiated by Pastor Jeremiah Mitchell, pastor of Bethel Christian Reformed Church. A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow the service. The Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A memorial has been established.
Christine was born August 26, 1955, in Clinton, IA, to Willis Edward and Lois Jean (Oostenryk) Sikkema. She graduated from Erie High School in 1973 and later earned a certificate in food service. On April 1, 1977, she married Bill Ebensberger in Fulton, IL, and together they were blessed with four children. She later married Dale Nichols on October 13, 2001, at Heritage Canyon in Fulton, IL. Christine devoted much of her working life to serving others. She was employed at the former Eagles Grocery Store in Clinton and later worked for the Clinton Community School District, where she served as Assistant Head Cook at Jefferson Elementary School for 16 years, from 2001-2017. She was one of the founding members of Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Fulton and was active in numerous organizations, including the River Cities Quilters Guild, Early American Crafters at Heritage Canyon, First Iowa Light Artillery, and Battery H. Christine had a creative spirit and a deep appreciation for history. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, attending quilt shows, and participating in Civil War reenactments. She especially treasured time spent with her family, creating memories with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband, Dale; five children, Billy (Tracy) Ebensberger of Erie, IL, Rebekah Ebensberger of Clinton, IA, Rose (Kenny Muller) Ebensberger of Thomson, IL, Richard (Amanda) Ebensberger of Montgomery, AL, and Jenni (Matt) Soibel of Clinton, IA; nine grandchildren, including a very special granddaughter, Abby, who was always by Christine’s side; eleven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Paul Sikkema of Clinton, IA and Andy (Shelle) Sikkema of Clinton, IA; one aunt, Roberta Sikkema of Thomson, IL; one uncle, Larry (Pat) Oostenryk of Albany, IL; and her beloved dogs, Tippy, Peanut, and Izzy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Willis and Lois Sikkema.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Christine, please visit the floral store. Condolences can be shared at bosmarenkes.com.
