Reece Clinton Plotts lost his battle with clinical depression on September 15, 2023 at the age of 21. Reece quietly, yet bravely fought with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues for several years before making the painful choice to end his own suffering.
He is survived by his parents, Randy Plotts of Otsego and Lisa Plotts of Plainwell; brother, Connor Plotts; grandmothers, Karen Christensen and Kathy Plotts, and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Dale Battles and Ronald Plotts, and his great-grandmother, Esther Christensen.
Reece was born on May 8, 2002 to Randy and Lisa (Battles) Plotts. He attended Otsego High School where he ran hurdles in track, made many friends, and focused on getting good grades before graduating in 2020 with plans to move to Montana to ski and go to school. Reece was a hard worker with a kind heart and a great sense of humor, and he always followed a strong inner moral compass.
Reece’s true passion was freestyle skiing, and he spent countless hours over the years perfecting jumps, riding the rails, and making friends. Bittersweet’s ski park was truly his wintertime home away from home. Reece enjoyed movie nights with Brown-Haired Grandma, spending time and laughing with his beloved brother Connor, and spoiling his dog Bentley, who never left his side. Reece left a lasting impression on everyone he met, and he will be greatly missed by all.
Friends may visit with Reece’s family from 6:00-8:00 PM, Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at the Winkel Funeral Home in Otsego.
The funeral service will take place at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 21, 2023 with celebrant Nyla Merrill officiating.
Burial will follow at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego.
Contributions in memory of Reece may be made to Gryphon Place of Kalamazoo.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
.
Offer Condolence for the family of Reece C. Plotts
Condolence Messages
Marilyn Moore
September 18, 2023 at 3:28 pm
What a beautiful commentary on such a beautiful soul
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Aliyah Rhett
September 18, 2023 at 4:44 pm
Such a sad story. I’m so incredibly sorry. I know what it’s like to lose someone, it’s not easy. May he rest in peace.
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Maria Martini Deneau
September 18, 2023 at 4:59 pm
Dear Lisa, Randy, Connor, Desiree and family.
Although I only met Reece a few times, he was a special friend to my son Scott Deneau, as they shared the same passion for freestyle skiing and Bittersweet. He obviously was well loved by all and his tribe is missing him.
Please accept my deepest sympathies. This is something that no parent or family should ever have to face, but I hope that he is finally at peace and skiing eternally. God Bless you all
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Mary Beauchamp
September 18, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Randy, Lisa and family. We are so deeply saddened and heartbroken for your family. Our deepest sympathy. I can’t imagine what you guys are going through, but just know that we are here if you need us for anything we love you.
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Emily Blair
September 18, 2023 at 5:04 pm
Reece was a wonderful kind young man. My sincere condolences Lisa, Connor and Randy. Sending you all healing prayers.
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Dawn Edwards
September 18, 2023 at 5:13 pm
My deepest sympathies to all of Reece’s family and friends. I am so very sorry. Keeping all of you in my prayers and sending much love.
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Tom, Valerie & Jake Lunarde
September 18, 2023 at 5:57 pm
Such a wonderful tribute. Our hearts hurt for you, and we wish you peace and strength.
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Reece LaPerriere
September 18, 2023 at 6:07 pm
I knew Reece as a friend, role model, and a extraordinary skier at bittersweet. I didn’t know him as a brother, but a friend during the winter months.
I knew him as a humble, well respected, courageous, enthusiastic, and motivated young man.
Even though I did not know him as much as others did – he still had an impact on my life and many others. I would often be pushed to learn new things while hanging around him and his friends, and we would all support each other in our skiing progression.
Reece will be missed, but never forgotten.
Ski on brother,
Jesus loves you, and so do we.
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Nathalie Peterson
September 18, 2023 at 6:39 pm
Lisa – I’m here always for you. You are in my thoughts and I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy.
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Julie Aldrich
September 18, 2023 at 7:12 pm
Randy, Lisa and Connor,
We are so sorry that you have lost Reece. We always enjoyed watching the boys run around the yards together, and I know Luke looked up to Reece.
Please reach out if there is anything we can do.
-Mark, Julie and Luke Aldrich
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Craig and Marcey Sweet
September 18, 2023 at 7:24 pm
Our deepest sympathies for your whole family . May God be with you all .
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Bittersweet Ski Resort
September 18, 2023 at 8:02 pm
Reece was such a kind soul with so much talent. He will be dearly missed by his entire Bittersweet family. Our thoughts are with you all.
Bittersweet Management
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John Shelton
September 18, 2023 at 8:04 pm
My deepest sympathies. Prayers and thoughts for the entire family. The challenges and celebrations of life are the things we often have little control. Godspeed.
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Jackson Mendez
September 18, 2023 at 8:48 pm
I know I speak for everyone at bittersweet when I say riding up those lifts will never feel the same without Reece. I’ll never forget learning all the basic tricks with Reece and growing up with him in the winters. Reece was there filming or hyping me up for so many of my first times doing almost everything. And if he wasn’t, he was right there learning it with me. I’ll never forget the striped helmet he had when we were younger, even though he didn’t really like the colors. I’ll have the thought of Reece guiding me down the hill every time I click on my skis, we all will. I just wish he could know how much happiness he inspired throughout the community, encouraging us and always leading by example. I really want to say thank you for everything you’ve done to help and push Reece forward on his journey. I know I will always treasure being able to be friends with, ski, and experience life with him, even if it was cut short. Just know we all will cherish the memories we have with him, and I hope your family can find a way passed this, even though life won’t be the same without him.
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Barb Wolverton
September 18, 2023 at 9:17 pm
I was so saddened to hear of Reece’s struggle. My heart goes out to your entire family.
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Rick Howrigon
September 18, 2023 at 9:39 pm
Randy-Lisa-Conner
Breaks my heart to see this happen, being a neighbor we watched the boys grow up for many years.
I wish you peace and Gods comfort as you deal with loss of your son and brother.
Rick Howrigon
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Hayden K
September 18, 2023 at 10:00 pm
He was a wonderful class mate and tbh I wasn’t around him much but I always enjoyed watching him ski when I was out there snowboarding. May he rest in peace.
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Linda & Fritz Spreitzer
September 18, 2023 at 10:01 pm
So sorry!!!
Praying God will wrap each of you in His loving arms and give you His strength and comfort!!!
Hold on tight to all those memories…
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Scott Goodwin
September 19, 2023 at 6:32 am
Randy and Lisa, so incredibly sorry for your loss. Praying for you in this painful time.
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Lori Laughlin
September 19, 2023 at 9:12 am
I’m so sorry for your loss…I can’t imagine what you’re going through now, but please know so many are keeping you in their thoughts and prayers. Reece was such a kind young man and a great student. I was his English teacher at Otsego High and really enjoyed getting to know him. He was an absolute delight. I also admire your honesty in his obituary; as a community we need to be better at recognizing the horrible illness depression can be.
My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy–
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Mary Lou Greensly
September 19, 2023 at 11:05 am
Lisa, may God help you thru this difficult time. Reece will always be with you. Prayers for you and your family. Love, Buffy
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Sue & Dennis Derhammer
September 19, 2023 at 11:49 am
Dear Lisa and family,
Though, we never met Reece in person, I’ve enjoyed watching him and his brother as they’ve grown up on Facebook over the years. What wonderful boys! I know you cherish them. There is no pain like the loss of a child or sibling. You have our deepest and heartfelt sympathy.
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Katherine Schwartz
September 19, 2023 at 12:27 pm
I only heard how awesome Reece was from people but I am very sorry to Reece’s family for this tragic loss. I may not have known him personally but I do know that he was an amazing, sweet, kind, and thoughtful person.
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The family of Dorothy Gren
September 19, 2023 at 5:48 pm
Praying for God’s peace and comfort to ease your pain during this sad and difficult time.
All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Ronda Morales Morales
September 19, 2023 at 5:51 pm
My condolences to your family and friends of Reece. I lost my younger brother 11 years ago after him taking is own life. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless
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Ellen
September 19, 2023 at 6:45 pm
My heart is breaking for all of you.
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Amy Lewis
September 19, 2023 at 7:36 pm
You do not know me. My name is Amy Lewis and I am a step aunt to Seth McPherson (yes, same name as his mom, Amy, lol). I saw Seth’s post which led me here. So terribly sorry for the terrific loss you have experienced. I wanted to thank you for sharing Reece’s heart-wrenching story. While stigma surrounding mental health issues is declining, many people still shy away from talking about it. I am positive that your bravery in sharing his story has helped more people than you will ever know. I wish your family peace during this painful time.
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Kristen Hintz
September 19, 2023 at 7:41 pm
Dear Randy, Lisa and Connor. My heart aches for your sorrow. I can’t walk in your shoes, but I can only imagine what you may be going through. I never met your son, but from the tribute you wrote , he sounds like a wonderful young man who will be missed by many. May peace find you during your this time of sorrow.
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Anne Bitzer
September 19, 2023 at 8:34 pm
Reece did “leave a lasting impression on everyone he met”. He was a peaceful student, always in thought. He was kind and empathetic with a heart that reached out to the underdog. Reece made days better for all who knew him. He has found peace. That I am certain.
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Kelly Kribs
September 19, 2023 at 10:09 pm
Lisa and family,
I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. Thinking of you nonstop in this painful time. You have my most heartfelt and deepest sympathy.
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Mark Van Domelen
September 20, 2023 at 11:21 am
So sorry for your loss Lisa and family… My prayers are with you all… ❤️
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Bonnie G. Stread/ Bittersweet Ski Patrol board member
September 20, 2023 at 12:47 pm
On behalf of the Bittersweet Ski Patrol we are send our most sincere condolence to your family and friend. Reece was much loved and a beautiful soul.
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Sherri Bronson
September 20, 2023 at 5:07 pm
Lisa, Karen and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss and heartbroken that you must endure the pain of it. I pray you find comfort and support from those around you who cherished Reece and who cherish you. You are in my thoughts and my prayers.
Sherri Bronson
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Cheryl Buchino
September 20, 2023 at 5:41 pm
I did not know him well. But they are great neighbors. So sorry to hear about this. Prayers for the family. He will be missed.
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Brooke Jankowski
September 20, 2023 at 10:04 pm
I am so sorry for your loss Mrs. Plotts and family. I remember you bringing him into class when he was really little.
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Karalyn Vanslambrouck slambrouck
September 21, 2023 at 8:07 am
I am so saddened to hear this news. Sending my love and deepest sympathies to your family during the difficult time. I will always remember the laughs and joy the “Reece and Connor” stories brought our 5th grade classroom, I think around 2006/2007 school year.
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philip fricano
September 21, 2023 at 11:52 am
I was truly saddened to hear of Reece’s passing. Although I only knew him a short time I thought much of him. My prayers go out to his family.
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Gregg Martini
September 21, 2023 at 8:42 pm
I’m Scotty Deneau’s uncle in Cincinnati and he is just crestfallen. I can’t imagine the pain you are enduring. I hope you and all who knew Reece find strength and comfort and that the memories of his life become a true gift, something that lifts you and makes you smile eternally.
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Suzanne Shelton
September 22, 2023 at 12:07 pm
Nay you feel our Lord’s comforting arms especially on the more difficult days.
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Mike P.
September 22, 2023 at 10:24 pm
God bless you Randy and family. You will see your boy again. Michael
K Pearson and family.
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Lorna Sisson
September 23, 2023 at 8:19 pm
We just found out about Reece. There are no words to express our sadness for you. May God fill your hearts
With the wonderful memories you shared. You are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
In Christ love, Craig and Lorna
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Colleen Elliott
September 25, 2023 at 7:20 am
As a grieving Mother, I offer my sincere condolences. My son Grant went ahead to heaven 2.5 years ago. My heart knows your severe pain and agony. I’m so sorry. Reece is a beautiful young man.
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Cathy Maurer
September 25, 2023 at 2:23 pm
Lisa, Randy and Connor,
My heart breaks for you in the passing of your beloved Reese. May you find comfort in wonderful memories of good times together and in God’s surrounding love
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Nancy Piersma
October 3, 2023 at 7:06 pm
I did not know this young man, but was very moved by the beautiful tribute in his obituary. My condolences to his family.
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