Norma Plash Wenzel

Norma Mahala (Plash) Wenzel, who lived to be older than everyone she knew from her generation, died peacefully at her residence in Foley, AL. She was 101 years old. The oldest and longest standing member of Oyster Bay Baptist Church, she spent most of her life as a housewife in Oyster Bay, living across the river from her family homestead on Plash Island. Her life touched seven generations from a grandfather born shortly after the Civil War to great grandchildren using smart phones. She is survived by her four sons Ronnie Wenzel (Faye) of Booneville, Miss., Joe Wenzel (Linda) of Panama City, Fla., Gary Wenzel (Evelyn) of Foley; and Rod Wenzel (Doty) of Tallahassee, Fla; eight grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren, and 29 nieces and nephews in the Plash and Wenzel families. Preceding her in death have been her husband of 53 years, Edward H. “Bud” Wenzel, who died in 1994, her parents, John “Boogie” and Laura (Kroutter) Plash, two sisters (Evelyn Hooks and Mary Nelson), and), and five brothers (John Arnold Plash, James “Jim” Plash, Charles “Charlie” Plash, Melvin “Hoopie” Plash, and Floyd “Buck” Plash). Following Hurricane Ivan in 2004, she moved from her riverfront residence to an apartment in Foley. The daily care, personal commitment, and a close watch by son Gary made it possible for her to live independently until her death. Family members express their appreciation to Gary and Evelyn for their many sacrifices. Appreciation also is extended to Dr. Ellis Allen and his fine staff, her assistant and neighbor, Annie, her nephew and neighbor, John Hooks, the members of her church community, and the care team with Comfort Care Hospice. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 9, at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home in Foley, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and a service at 11 a.m. The Rev. Jerry Peebles of Oyster Bay Baptist Church will officiate, with her grandson, the Rev. Glenn Wenzel, a missionary in Houston, providing the eulogy. Other grandsons and great grandsons will serve as pallbearers or provide special music. Burial will follow at Pine Rest Cemetery with interment next to “Bud.” In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Women’s Ministry at Oyster Bay Baptist Church, 4380 Plash Road, Gulf Shores, AL 36542.