Rodney Jay Liles, 62, passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 13, 2025, while doing what he loved — caring for his property and enjoying the outdoors in Roscoe, Ill. His sudden passing due to a heart attack has left a profound absence in the hearts of all who knew him.
Rod was born in 1963 in Mt. Ayr, and spent his early years in the Des Moines area. At age 10, he was adopted by Donna and Earl Pickens, and the family made their home in Cherokee — a place that would shape much of his life and where he built lifelong friendships.
A proud graduate of Washington High School in Cherokee, Class of 1982, Rod began working at Hy-Vee during high school, a job that would lead him to Algona, before a serious car accident brought him back to Cherokee.
Following his recovery, Rod continued his career at the Hy-Vee Distribution Center, where he worked until 2009. In 2020, he moved to Roscoe, Ill., to live with his brother Rich, and quickly became part of the community there as well.
Rod had a deep love for the simple joys of life. He was a spirited card player — cribbage, Euchre and Texas Hold’em were among his favorites — and a skilled pool player who competed in many tournaments. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and enjoyed buying and selling various items with his brothers Randy and Rich. His heart, however, was always with his family, and he treasured his many vacations to Oahu, Hawaii, where he made countless memories with loved ones and new friends alike.
He found peace and purpose in taking care of his property — mowing lawns, collecting branches and burning brush — a routine that brought him both satisfaction and serenity. It was during one of these moments, immersed in the life he built and cherished, that he left this world.
Rod never met a stranger. Whether at Walmart, Speedway or the local bank, he struck up conversations and forged friendships everywhere he went. His generous nature, sense of humor and unwavering optimism were constants in his life. He was a source of love and support to his nieces, Kayla Willis (Drew) and Taylor Liles (Nick), his great-nieces, Kailee and Kendal Willis, and his great-nephew Dawson Willis. He showed up for them with pride and joy and held them close in his heart.
He is survived by his stepmother Karen Liles of Des Moines; siblings: Ann Ziskovsky (Duane) of Marengo; Robert Pickens (Claudia) of Vermillion, S.D.; Michelle Eidem (Gary) of Vermillion, S.D.; Rachel Ballard of Des Moines; Randy Banks (Crystal) of Des Moines; and Rich Liles of Roscoe, Ill.; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends from across the country.
Rod was preceded in death by his grandparents; his father Ronald Jay Liles (Karen); adoptive parents, Donna and Earl Pickens; sisters, Candace Pickens and Barbara Jones (Steve); brother-in-law Steve Jones; and sister-in-law Claudia Pickens.
Rod’s final wishes were to be cremated, with no visitation or funeral. In honoring those wishes, his loved ones hope each person who knew him will take a moment to remember Rod in their own way — perhaps with a card game, a quiet walk outside or simply by reaching out to someone new, just as Rod so often did.
Thank you to all who were part of Rod’s journey. He was deeply loved, and he loved deeply in return. His warmth, laughter and unwavering loyalty will never be forgotten. Gone far too soon, Rod leaves behind a legacy of kindness, connection and quiet strength. He will be missed more than words can say.
