Vivian Shields

Vivian Moore Shields, 90, of Rockford passed away Sunday, February 16, 2020, in Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center. Born January 27, 1930, in Durand, Illinois, the daughter of Charles Leslie and Bessie Irene (Baumgardner) Moore. Married Robert “Bob” O. Shields, Sr. on June 27, 1953, in Durand, Illinois. Worked in the family business at Shields State Farm Insurance for 30 years. Vivian was a 60 years member and founding member of Northeast Christian Church where she was involved in many church activities. She enjoyed traveling, visiting all 50 states. Vivian loved singing in choirs all her life and playing bells at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center. She was the CFO of the family, keeping meticulous records. Her husband, Bob, was very outspoken and loud, where Vivian was the soft-spoken quiet person of the family. She opened up her home and loved to host all friends and family. Survivors include her children, Bob (Pam) Shields, Jr., Linda (Bruce) Petty, Cindy (Rod) Ekberg and Steve (Michele) Shields; son-in-law, Bruce Ahmer; 14 grandchildren, Synda (Jim) Gable, Stephanie (Scott) Anderson, Rob (Cheryl) Shields, Chris (Kristy) Shields, Brad (Tracy) Shields, Sarah (Randy) Stovall, Nick (Snoel) Shields, Brendon (Rachel) Petty, Alissa (Geoffrey) Castro, Christiana (Chris) Ekberg, Amanda (Dan) Clinton, Kathryn (Jon) Carmichael, Grant (Mareia) Shields and Callie Shields; 36 great-grandchildren; sister, Lucille Shelly. Predeceased by her husband; daughter, Sue Ahmer; and grandson, Brice Ahmer. Special thanks to Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center for the many years of care and to Pastor Sylvia and Pastor Lee for their many years of friendship.

Service at 6 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2020, in Northeast Christian Church, 5651 East Riverside Blvd., Rockford with visitation from 4:30 p.m. to service time. Graveside service at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 22, in Sunset Memorial Gardens, 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park. Memorials to Northeast Christian Church or Rockford Rescue Mission.