Alyce Hammond Ebel

Alyce Hammond Ebel, a resident of Hot Springs for 65 years, died peacefully Monday, December 31, 2012 at National Park Medical Center. She was 86. Alyce was born February 22, 1926 in El Dorado, Arkansas, the daughter of Ruth and Jeff Hammond. She was preceded in death by her brother Jack. Alyce is survived by a family that dearly loved her and will greatly miss her smiling face and fun-loving, caring attitude: her husband of 65 years, Walter Ebel Jr. ("Bookie"), daughter, Cindy Clifton and her husband Joe Clifton of Dallas, Texas, and son, Skip Ebel of Little Rock. Alyce is also survived by three grandchildren; J.J. Clifton of San Rafael, California, Jeff Clifton of Dallas, Texas, and Meg Meyrowitz of Boynton Beach, Florida, along with their respective spouses; Sharon, Jenny, and Scott; and four great-grandchildren: Sam, Trip, Cooper, and Ben, all of whom Alyce loved and cared for deeply. Alyce was a Life Master bridge player and was instrumental in organizing The Bridge House of Hot Springs, where she remained an active member until her death. In fact, she was usually the first to arrive and she could be found there just about any time a bridge game was being played. In addition to bridge, Alyce enjoyed most the company of her husband, as well as family dinners and other family gatherings. She loved caring for her dog Jiggs, and other family canines; raising plants, most notably violets and orchids, at which she was especially adept. She also loved reading, feeding and watching birds; socializing with friends and a couple glasses of wine now and then. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at 1 p.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 228 Springs Street, in Hot Springs. Honorary pallbearers are the members of The Bridge House of Hot Springs. Memorials may be made to St. Luke's Episcopal Church of Hot Springs, The Garland County Humane Society, or the charity of your choice. Guest register at www.grossfuneralhome.com.