Ila Rodriguez Plasencia

Ila Rodriguez Plasencia, 98, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2025. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025 at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines with a rosary at 7 p.m. A funeral mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines with burial following at Resthaven Cemetery.

Born in Earlham, Iowa to Paul and Pilar (Medina) Rodriguez, Adela “Ila” Rodriguez was the youngest of seven children. Ila was a community leader, wife, mother, and a friend to many, who leaves a long legacy of service and accomplishments. Ila, a trailblazer, always believed she could do anything and she did them.

After graduation from Valley High School, Ila began her 30 year career with the United States Federal Government. She began working as a clerk in the Dept. of Agriculture, moved on to be an Administrative Assistant in the Dept. of Justice, and retired from the Dept. of Labor Wage & Hour Division as an Investigator Compliance Officer. After a short retirement she continued to pursue many avenues – attend GrandView College: part-time work as the Interim Director for the Commission on Latino Affairs, Director for UMACC (United Mexican American Community Center), Family Advocate – Drake University Head Start, and Interpreter – Primary Health Clinic & Pharmacy.

Ila embodies the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions volunteers make to our society. She played a pivotal role in various arenas. As Founder of Midwest Educational Resources Development Fund Inc., Ila was able create and establish several programs: scholarships, Adult ELL and Citizenship classes, and various events/programs in the Latino Community. Ila’s distinguished service and leadership was acknowledged by other with the following honors: YMCA Woman of Achievement, LULAC Woman of the Year, Iowa Latino Hall of Fame, Plaza of Heroines – Iowa State University, CityView Activist Award, AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, Sages under 70 Recognition, Wall of Inspiration – Primary Health Family Services, Moingona Girl Scout Presidential Award, Parade Marshall – West Des Moines Girls Softball, Grand Marshall – LULAC Parade of those they leave behind.

Some of Ila’s achievements:

-Founded—Midwest Educational Resources Development Fund, Inc.

-Secretary for Iowa Gov. Robert Ray’s Spanish Speaking Task Force

-Served on the first Iowa Commission of Latino Affairs, the Iowa Civil Rights Commission and the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women, among many others. 

-In LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) she was the President and founding member the first women’s League of United Latin American Citizens Council in Iowa; first woman to be elected State

-Director, and National Vice President of the Midwest. 

-Founder – 12 Stars

-WDM Girls Softball Assoc. – President, Team Coach and Manager

-Co-Founder of Iowa Brown & Black Presidential Forum

-Founder, Seamstress, & Manager of Los Balidores Mestizos

-Moingona Girl Scouts Council – Diversity Committee Member, Troop leader for first all-Latina troop and Girl Scout Life Member

-Established Drake University HeadStart “Mi Escuelalita” - now “Conmigo”

-Fundamental in starting “La Casa” Drake University – Latino student center

-Founded – Latino College Expo

-Founded – Latino Student Awards Recognition Ceremony

-Co-Founded – WDM Cinco de Mayo Festival

-Co-Founded – DM Art Center’s Dia de los Muertos Celebration

-Catholic Women’s League—Past President & Lifetime Member

Ila is survived by her children, Paula Plasencia (WDM), Brian Plasencia (WDM), and Lisa (Earl) Plasencia (California); four grandchildren, Javier Maldonado, Mariah Maldonado, Danielle Plasencia and Michael Plasencia; and five great-grandchildren.

Ila was preceded in death by her parents; sister Dolores Rodriguez; brothers, Basilio Buster Rodriguez and Ben Navarro Rodriguez; two other sisters; another brother; husband, Ralph A. Plasencia; son, Raphael Plasencia II; and granddaughter, Amalia Plasencia-Maldonado.

Memorial contributions can be made to Midwest Education Development Fund, Inc. where a scholarship will be created in Ila’s name.