Nancy Kay Wilstach

Nancy Kay Wilstach, age 80, of Montevallo, Alabama, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, at 5:10 p.m. at Shelby Baptist Hospital surrounded by the family she loved so deeply. By her side were her devoted husband of 47 years, Bill Plott; her son Charles J. Naivar; her daughter Maggie Plott Davenport; her stepdaughter Mary Leach; and her daughter-in-law Martha “Marcy” Naivar.

Born on August 22, 1945, in Lafayette, Indiana, Nancy was the daughter of Charles F. Wilstach and Margaret Wilma James. She eventually made her home in Montevallo, Alabama in 1980, the place where she and Bill built a life and raised their family.

Anyone who knew Nancy knew she was a force to be reckoned with. Though she stood only five feet tall, her personality, convictions, and heart were larger than life. She was fiercely loving, wonderfully opinionated, and never afraid to speak her mind. Nancy believed deeply in standing up for what was right, seeking the truth, and helping those who needed a voice.

That passion shaped her lifelong career as a journalist in the newspaper industry. Her career carried her to the Lafayette (IN) Journal and Courier, Rock Hill (SC) Evening Herald, Fort Myers (FL) News-Press, The Tuscaloosa News, Alabama Journal, Montgomery Advertiser, and The Birmingham News. Nancy had an endless curiosity and a determination to always get to the root of the story. She brought intelligence, integrity, and persistence to her work, retiring from The Birmingham News in 2007 after a career dedicated to informing others. Former colleague and columnist John Archibald said: She was just so special. One of a kind. The kind of journalist that just made you say, “Wow, that’s what makes us important.’ The guys were passing around memories of her this morning and this quote came up: “You have to go out and hunt for news. Only publicity comes in and surrenders.”

Her dogged determination made her the consummate reporter. Even officials who succumbed to her badgering for information left the encounter with total respect for her.

She began her college career at Indiana University, which she attended for a year before leaving to join the U.S. Navy. She later attended Alabama State University and the University of Montevallo, where she graduated with a degree in Business in 1984.

She used to joke and say that none of her colleges could play football. That changed last year when Indiana University Hoosiers won the National Championship. She celebrated by proudly wearing those school colors for all to see.

Nancy’s strong convictions were matched only by her compassion. A devoted Catholic and longtime member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, her faith was the foundation of how she lived. She rarely missed Sunday Mass and believed that faith was demonstrated not just in words, but through service. She dedicated herself to helping others, especially members of the Hispanic community in Montevallo, where she became a trusted advocate and friend. Through her work with the church, including the annual Angel Tree at Christmas and Lenten Cross in the spring, Nancy helped ensure families in need felt seen, valued, and cared for.

She taught her children and grandchildren some of life’s most important lessons: speak your mind, stand by your convictions, seek the truth, and always help those less fortunate.

Nancy found joy in simple but meaningful things — tending her garden, getting lost in a good book, following the news, discussing politics, and traveling in a Class C motor home..

Nancy is survived by her loving husband, Bill Plott, whose 47 years of marriage reflected a lifetime of devotion and partnership.

She leaves behind her son Charles J. Naivar and his wife Martha “Marcy” Naivar; her daughter Margaret “Maggie” Plott Davenport and her husband Dustin Davenport; and her stepdaughter Mary Leach and her husband Jamie Leach.

She was the proud grandmother to Madison Naivar, Morgan Naivar, Regina Schachinger, Frederick Schachinger, Asher Davenport, Sydney Davenport, Samuel Leach, Nicholas Leach, Jackson Leach, and Atticus Plott.

She was preceded in death by her beloved youngest daughter, Elbra Lillian Wilstach Plott, whose memory remained forever held in Nancy’s heart. When Lillian died all too young, Nancy and Bill quickly reached out to raise her son Atticus. It was Nancy who saw his potential and introduced him to theatre through the Parnel Memorial Library Children's Musical Theatre.

Nancy’s legacy will live on in the countless people she helped, the stories she told, the family she guided, and the community she strengthened. She leaves behind a reminder to all who loved her: be curious, be courageous, love fiercely, and never be afraid to stand up for what you believe.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Montevallo with visitation at 10. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the American Civil Liberties Union, Southern Poverty Law Center, or St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church building fund.