Bethany Anne Cunningham, 21 months old, died peacefully, January 29, 2009 in Rockford Memorial Hospital with her Mama, Daddy and loving family holding her. Bethany was born in Rockford on April 25, 2007 the daughter of Sean H. and Katy L. (VanAcker) Cunningham. Bethany loved to dance, kick and make noises. She enjoyed playing with Play-Doh, finger painting and playing with her musical toys. Bethany, thank you for being in our lives for this short time. Your spirit to survive and beat the odds was remarkable. You will be greatly missed, with love, Mama and Daddy, Sean and Katy Cunningham; grandparents, Barbara and Ken Cunningham of Cherry Valley and Paul and Vicki VanAcker of Belvidere; aunts and uncles, Keith and Erica VanAcker, Kimberly VanAcker, Shannon and Jon Frazier, Sheldon and Teresa Cunningham; cousins, Emma, Landon, Erin, Brian, Allison and Krystal; great grandmother, Marilyn Vieth. Bethany's family who has gone on before her includes great grandparents, Richard Vieth, Jim and Tillie VanAcker, Harold and Pat Hammond, Fannie Taylor and great-uncle John VanAcker.

A memorial foundation will be established in Bethany's memory and monetary gifts can be directed in care of her family.