Shirley Mae Akre Cates Conner, 77, joined her heavenly father at 12:08 p.m. Friday, June 17, 2011, in SwedishAmerican Hospital emergency room as a result of an automobile accident. Born July 21, 1933, in Rockford, the daughter of George T. and Rosemary (Featherston) Peterson. Lived in Lindenwood for 19 years, going there from Rockford. Married Orville A. Akre in 1951. Married Chester Cates in 1985. Married Harry W. Conner in 1992. She was formerly employed by Aquamatic and was a homemaker. Shirley was a life-long member of St. Edward Catholic Church, Ladies Guild and Senior's Club. She was also a member of Hub City Senior Center. Survivors include husband, Harry Conner of Rockford; children, Diane (Tom) Koester of Sheboygan, Wis., Theresa Hexom of Loves Park, Vicki (Bruce) Skaggs of Rockford, William (Christine) Akre of Winnebago, Rosemary Scott of Rockford; grandchildren, April Opp, Scott Green, Tim Akre, Keith Skaggs, Kimberly Borg-wardt, Heather Hoekman, Sarah Scott, Carl (Bethany) Akre of Wisconsin, Jennifer (Tom) Kegle of Texas and Lori (Brian) Zwiger of Loves Park; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Jane (Richard) White; brothers, George (Angie) Peterson and Jerry (Bonnie) Peterson, all of Rockford; sister-in-law, Minnie "Bonnie" Peterson of Rockford; special, helpful nephew, Jay Salsbury of Rockford; and other nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by brothers, LaVern and Raymond Peterson; and sons-in-law, Randy Hoekman and Robert L. Hexom. Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 22, in St. Edward Catholic Church, 3004 11th St., Rockford, with visitation from 9 a.m. to service time. Father Michael Black, pastor, will officiate. Visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 21, in Sundberg Funeral Home Ltd., 215 N. Sixth St., Rockford, with rosary afterwards. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials to the family.