Santiago Rhone II

Santiago “Santi” Diaz Rhone II, 15, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

Born on August 17, 2010, in Des Moines, Iowa, Santi arrived just ten minutes before his built-in best friend, his twin sister, Santayah Kyleigh Rhone. From the moment he opened his eyes, the light within him was undeniable — a brightness that never faded and touched everyone around him.

Santi was a bright light in every sense. His radiant smile could fill a room, and his spirit was defined by kindness, care, humor, and deep respect for others. He embraced authenticity and lived with integrity, always encouraging those around him to do the same. A natural leader, he inspired his friends, teammates, and classmates with his example — leading not just with words, but with action, discipline, and heart.

He was his own biggest critic, always pushing himself to be better. Santiago’s passion and dedication for baseball were evident in every part of his life — even in the contents of the trunk of his car, filled with the tools and reminders of the game he loved most. He poured his heart into the sport with unmatched discipline and focus, dreaming of playing college baseball at the University of Tennessee and one day taking the field in the Major Leagues. Yet his vision stretched far beyond the diamond — he also carried a strong interest in architecture, welding, and real estate investment, imagining a future where his creativity, determination, and drive would shape the world around him.

Santiago, the sweetest son is survived by his loving mother, Shannon Gillespie; father, Santiago Rhone; his twin sister, Santayah; his sisters Bebe Rhone, Nakiyah Keller, and Naleiyah Keller; his brothers Vincent Thompson, DonTaevis Hutchinson, Diante Rhone, Jaden Rhone, Vijay Rhone; his great grandmother Barbara Busch; his grandparents Dania Ryburn, David Gillespie, David Adair, Janise Rhone, David & Leann Folkers; and a wide circle of teammates, classmates, coaches, and friends who adored him. He was preceded in death by his Papa David Ryburn Sr., and our family's hero, Ricco Morrow.

Santi was blessed with not only his family at home, but also a chosen family of aunts, uncles, and cousins, who loved him as their own. He also had a huge baseball family who raised him, cheered for him, and stood beside him. Among them, Coach Keon Patton was his mentor and role model from the age of 5, shaping both his game and his character — even giving him his very first haircut. Santi was also guided and loved by Coaches Justin, Will, Mike, Eric, Tate, and many more whose wisdom and care helped him grow into the young man he was.

A celebration of Santi’s life will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Grandview Little League 4381 NE 38th Street, Des Moines. Friends and family are invited to gather, share stories, and honor the remarkable young man he was and the dreams he carried. Celebration of Life Service will begin at 12:00 p.m. with visitation to follow until 4:00 p.m. For those unable to attend in person the service will be livestreamed through the portal below. The ballfields were Santi’s happy place and home away from home. Limited seating will be provided, but please bring along your ballpark chair to share in the spirit.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family via Cashapp $shannong088 or Venmo @Shannon-Gillespie-43.

"Though Santi’s time here was far too short, his light will never fade. His smile, his laughter, and his love will live on forever in all of us."

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