Kathryn S. Plotts-Shimnoski

With heavy hearts, we share that our beloved mother, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend, Kathryn Sue (Dunklee) Plotts-Shimnoski passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 11th, with loved ones by her side, after facing a brief, but courageous battle with cancer. 

True to who she was, she met even this final chapter with grace, humor, and love. Kathy lived her life with a spirit that was bigger than any challenge she faced. She was the kind of person who would be there for anyone, at any time, any place-whether you needed a loud cheerleader, a helping hand, a listening ear, or just someone to share a laugh. 

She was always up for anything; you could find her riding roller coasters, flying in a helicopter, dancing down at the club with her best friends, watching a sunset at the lakeshore, enjoying a toboggan ride down the slopes at Bittersweet, or just sitting quietly listening to her grandson, Connor, play her “favorite song” on his guitar (every song he played, she always said it was her favorite). 

She embraced adventures big and small, because she was fearless, proving that joy could be found in the everyday as much as the extraordinary. Her quick-witted sense of humor was her signature; her playful nature and the remarks she made will forever be missed but remembered fondly. However, beyond her humor, what defined her most was the fierce and unconditional love she carried for her family and friends. 

She poured her heart into being the absolute best mom, grandma, sister, aunt, friend and Euchre partner anyone could ever hope for. Her home was a gathering place where stories were shared, some retold many times over-because they were just that funny, laughter echoed off the walls, and love was abundant and treasured. She made everyone feel welcome and cared for, and if you were lucky enough to know her, you knew you were loved by her. She had a sparkle in her eyes, a spunk in her presence, and a warm smile that said it all and could be felt by all. 

Kathy leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, laughter and deep devotion to the people she loved most. She is survived by her children Connie Rose, Richard Shattuck, and Randy Plotts; her sisters Chris Quigley, and Shirley (Joe) Baldwin, grandchildren Derek, Autumn, Brandon, and Connor; great-grandchildren Evan, Ava, Caylee, and Leo, along with many other nieces, nephews and her closest friend for life, Lois Hatten, who all will carry her memory in their hearts and share her love with the world. 

She was preceded in death by both her spouses, Ronald Plotts and Phillip Shimnoski, brothers, Vernon Dunklee and Leroy Dunklee, a sister, Joyce Cooper, and most recently, her beloved grandson, Reece Plotts, whom she adored beyond measure. 

A graveside burial service will be held at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego, MI on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11AM, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life gathering at the Otsego VFW until 3PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Kathy’s memory by sharing a laugh, lending a hand, and holding your loved ones a little tighter- because that’s exactly what she would have wanted and done. 

Though she is gone, her love and light remains steadfastly with us: in the laughter we share, the stories we tell, and the love we will continue to carry forward. THE END. (that last part is from Kathy-if you know, you know!)

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.