EBEL - On Wednesday, March 23, 2011, Norma Ann (Gross) Ebel passed away peacefully with her family at her side at the Foyer d’Youville in Gravelbourg, where she has been a resident for the past few years. Norma Ann Gross was born on the family homestead southwest of Hodgeville on May 3, 1918 to Lawrence J. Gross and Genevieve (McPhee) Gross. She was the eldest of three girls. Norma started school at the Easby School southwest of Hodgeville and completed her schooling in Hodgeville. In her early years, Norma enjoyed playing softball, hockey, and especially tennis. Later she took up curling. She took a business course in Regina and returned to work at the Toronto Dominion Bank in Hodgeville and later in Barrhead, AB. It was while travelling home from work one day on the bus that she became officially engaged. After picking up a parcel from Buck at the Post Office she was too excited to wait to get home, so she opened it and put on her engagement ring. On October 29, 1946, she married William (Buck) Alexander Ebel in Regina and they began farming one mile east of his parents’ farm in the Kelstern area. Living on a farm was a new experience for her and although at times it was a steep learning curve she handled it well. The green thumb she inherited from her father came into good use as she always had a big vegetable garden. She especially enjoyed many flowers, shrubs and various landscaping projects on the farm. Later when she and Buck moved to the city she replaced the vegetable garden with flowers, shrubs and fruit trees. They spent many enjoyable hours working in their yard. They were blessed with four children, Harold, Jean, Jim and Bob. Norma’s life was family, faith, friends and gardening. Norma enjoyed following her husband, children and grand-children as they participated in baseball, softball, hockey, ringette, dancing and any other of their endeavours. She also loved to entertain. She and Buck hosted many family and friend gatherings as well as whist and bridge parties. Norma was an avid bridge player. She loved decorating and was always looking through magazines for ideas to use in her home. Norma knit some of her own clothing as well as sweaters, etc. for her family. Arthritis later made this activity impossible. As the years progressed and she suffered from hearing loss, macular degeneration, and osteoporosis, she did not dwell on these afflictions. She always believed we were obligated to do the best with what we had and trusted that God would give us the Grace to handle any situation. Her cup was never half empty but always half full. Norma loved to travel! She and Buck spent some winters in Arizona and they took some bus tours to the States and eastern Canada. A highlight of Norma’s traveling was when she and her daughter, Jean travelled to England, Scotland and some European countries. Scotland was of special interest as that was where her mother’s family, the McPhee’s, originated. Norma was a member of the Catholic Women’s League and has served as provincial president. She was also a Life Member of the Order of the Royal Purple #57. She was predeceased by her parents, Lawrence J. and Genevieve Gross, niece MaryAnn Carmack, her husband Buck, sisters Mora Carmack and Claire Briscoe, brothers-in-law Milton Briscoe, Billy Carmack, Dave Ebel, Ted Ebel and Bill Sabasch, and sister-in-law Vi Arnott. Norma is survived by her loving children: Harold (Lee-Ann) of Hodgeville, Jean (Ron) Erickson of Yorkton, Jim (Gwen), and Bob all of Hodgeville. Seven grandchildren: Fred (Rena) Middlemiss, Jeff Ebel, Cortney (Clint) Ganes, Stephanie Ebel (friend Brad), Chelsey Ebel (friend Ben), Kirby Ebel (friend Ross), and Riley Erickson. Three great grandchildren: Logan and Maria Middlemiss, and Barett Ganes. One sister-in-law: Louise Sabasch, brothers-in-law: Walter (Gladys) Ebel, Lorne Arnott and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for the special care and quality of life provided for Norma by Dr. Ramlakhan, Dr. Pillay, Sr. Margo, Janet and all the staff at the Foyer d’Youville. Norma felt fortunate to be able to attend daily mass celebrated by Fr. Guenette, a previous pastor and long-time friend. Everyone’s kindness will always be remembered. Prayers were held on Sunday, March 27, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. and Funeral Mass on Monday, March 28, 2011, at 10:30 a.m., both at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Hodgeville, SK, with Father John Foley celebrant. Eulogy was shared by Chelsey Ebel and Stephanie Ebel. Music by Deb Waldenberger and Dale Haubrich. Hymns included “Amazing Grace” and “Old Rugged Cross.” Readers were Kirby Ebel and Stephanie Ebel. Honour guard was formed by the Hodgeville Royal Purple # 57 and Catholic Women’s League. Active pallbearers were Fred Middlemiss, Jeff Ebel, Cortney Ganes, Stephanie Ebel, Chelsey Ebel, Kirby Ebel and Riley Erickson. Interment at Memory Gardens, Swift Current, SK. Memorial tributes in memory of Norma to Canadian Cancer Society, 61B Ross St. W., Moose Jaw, SK S6H 2M2 and Foyer d’Youville, Box 810, Gravelbourg, SK S0H 1X0, were greatly appreciated. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Piche-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapels, Assiniboia & Gravelbourg.