Iola Totus

Iola Smartlowit Totus, “Kwasa,” was taken home by Creator’s Angels on October 29, 2024 after a sudden illness. She was born 4/21/35 at Wiley City, WA, the daughter of Gilbert and Annie Napyer Smartlowit. She was raised in childhood by her Ulla Hanumpt. She attended school at White Swan, WA. Her livelihood included agriculture work, industrial sewing, County extension as a nutritionist, YN WIC Coordinator, IHS Records Clerk, Yakama Language and culture teacher where she is one of few Yakama remaining elders who spoke our language fluently, and renown dancer of the powwow circle nationwide and Canada. Iola loved her family, in which she was involved in the upbringing of children other than her own. Many called her Mom. She was always involved in family gatherings, watched her family participate in sports and powwows, traveled to other tribal events, elder activities, PBR/rodeos, slots, and Motown concerts. She was a member, Elder, of the Shaker religion of the White Swan Independent Shaker Church. She was also raised in the ways of the Waashat religion. She was honored as an Elder of the Year “Nurturer of Children and Culture” on November 8, 2023 at the Heritage University, Toppenish. She will be remembered by her smile, her kindness and mentoring to others, and her contagious wit. She loved and was a support to family and friends. She positively impacted all who knew her. Iola is survived by children: Sharon (Pat) Goudy; Robert Johnson II; Edward (Kathy) Johnson; Anthony (Colleen) Johnson; Selina (Steve) Miramontez; and Randall (Rose) Totus. She helped raise Aiyanna Morrison Totus, Abigail Totus, and Randy Stewart; her sisters Veda (John) Adams; Bernice Jim; Janet George; Wilma (Les) Wahsise; and Nancy Smartlowit; and brothers Raymond (Cheryl) Smartlowit; and Wayne Smartlowit; and Smartlowit/Napyer/Phillips/Johnson/Totus families. She was predeceased by her beloved mate Lee Totus; children Alta, Alfred Jr., and Frederick Johnson; precious grandchildren, nieces and nephews; her parents Gilbert and Annie Smartlowit; aunt Margaret Henry; sisters Leona Jack, Lucy Winnier and brothers Peter and Gordon Smartlowit; and Elliott Phillips. There will be open denomination services, as we serve one God, one Creator and she participated in all. The funeral dressing service will be held at the Zillah Valley Hills mortuary on Thursday 10/31 10:00 a.m. and immediately taken to the White Swan Independent Shaker Church, with overnight services. Final service is Friday 11/1/24 leaving the church at 9:00 a.m. with burial at Toppenish Creek Cemetery, White Swan. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Iola Totus, please visit our flower store.