HOT SPRINGS — Evelyn (Ebby) Biltz Elser,
devoted servant of Christ and His Church passed from this life to be with her Lord, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, June 18, 2023, surrounded by family at her home of 66 years in Hot Springs, Ark. In her almost 92 years of life, Ebby manifested her devotion to the Lord through her roles as faithful wife, selfless mother of nine children, teacher and model of the Faith, compassionate nurse of the sick and dying, and fortress of love and support for family and friends who sought her wisdom, counsel, and love. Ebby was born in Little Rock, Ark., on July 12, 1931, to M. A. and Hilda Biltz. She was a graduate of Mt. Saint Mary’s Academy, class of 1949 and St. Joseph’s School of Nursing, class of 1952. Because of her and her husband’s dedication to raising their children, Ebby put her nursing career on hold until her youngest child started school in 1973, at which point she returned to her career, working the night shift at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Tragically, the selfless love and devotion she and her husband had for each other, and their family was upended in 1985 with his premature death; once again Ebby relied on faith and family to deal with her devastating loss. In 1994 after working for 20 years as a nurse, she retired to enjoy her growing family. Ebby’s life continued to be one of faithful Catholic service as a parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, devoted adorer at the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel at St. John’s Catholic Church, and frequent viewer of EWTN. She was influenced by her saintly mother, Hilda, as well as numerous priests and nuns, including her brother, Fr. Joe and son Fr. Bill, ordained priests of God in the Catholic Church of the diocese of Little Rock. In addition to her love of God and his church, her life was centered on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will always remember the frequent family gatherings at her house and her special home-cooking and baking. Those who knew Ebby loved her for her gentle, giving nature and engaging sense of humor. People relished the time spent with Ebby, and these encounters with her always left them feeling better than they did before.
She is preceded in death by her husband A. F. (Bill) Elser; her mother Hilda Rumbach Biltz; her father M. A. Biltz, three brothers; Paul, Jim, and Fr. Joe Biltz and one sister Mary (Mamie) Mobley. She is survived by her nine children: Sharon (J. R.), Joe, Michele (Rick), Fr. Bill, Jim, Judy (Joe Bill), Kenny (Holly), Danny, and Mark (Janell); 21 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 21 at 6 p.m., followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7 p.m. with the Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, June 22 at 11. These will take place at St. Mary of the Springs Catholic Church at 100 Central Ave. in Hot Springs, Ark.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary of the Springs Catholic Church. Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.