Ann Shields, age 82, of Russellville, died Sunday, August 15, 2021, in Russellville.  She was born December 11, 1938, in Russellville, to James Allen and Dora Katherene Vest Young.

Ann was an outstanding musician and began playing in church at a very young age.  A graduate of Russellville High School, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Arkansas Tech University.  Ann taught music at many different levels, working with private students and university-level organ and piano students. She received a Master's degree in organ performance from Lindenwood University in St. Louis, Missouri, and taught as an adjunct instructor at both Lindenwood and University of the Ozarks in Clarksville.  She also privately studied organ at Stanford University and University of Missouri at Kansas City.  In addition to serving as an organist at First United Methodist Church in Dardanelle, Ann was a long-time co-organist at Central Presbyterian Church in Russellville, with her organ duo partner, retired Arkansas Tech Professor Vicky Kiehl.  Like her husband, Brian, Ann was committed to sharing her love of music, especially sacred music, with others.  She dearly loved God and her family and was a blessing to everyone she encountered throughout life.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Brian Keith Conatser.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Brett Williams of Fort Worth, Texas; a brother and sister-in-law, Allen and Martha Jo Young of Colorado Springs, Colorado; two granddaughters, Nicole Ann Williams of Colorado Springs, and Molly Jean Williams of Fort Worth; extended surviving family and friends include Roger Shields and Margie Brown. Ann's musical legacy remains alive with her music students and colleagues.

The graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 20, 2021, at St. Paul (Gravel Hill) Cemetery near Dover with the Rev. Brian Brock officiating under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

An open viewing will be held Thursday from 12:00-4:00 p.m., at the funeral home.  The family will receive friends via drive by visitation from 4:30-5:30 p.m., at the Shinn Funeral Chapel entrance.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 100 N 2nd St, Dardanelle, Arkansas 72834.

The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.shinnfuneral.com .