Iris Moreno Totten, 43, of Wamego, passed away Saturday, May 26, 2012 at her home after her long and courageous battle with cancer.

Iris was born December 2, 1968 in New Orleans, La., the daughter of Hilda Moreno. She was raised by her uncle for 10 years in Ocala, Fla., where she attended elementary and middle schools before returning to New Orleans where she graduated from St. James Major High School in 1986. After high school she attended college at the University of New Orleans where she received her BS, MS and Ph.D. After receiving her MS degree she worked for five years for Mobil before returning to school to receive her Ph.D. She then went to work as a Professor for two years at the University of New Orleans before moving to Wamego in 2006, where she taught as a Geology Professor at Kansas State University for six years until she was forced to quit due to her illness. Iris was united in marriage to Matt W. Totten Sr., in New Orleans on April 23, 1995. He survives of the home.

Iris was a member of the National Association of Science Teachers, Association of Women Geoscientists and the Geological Society of America. She enjoyed photography, rock jewelry, traveling and cheerleading for her two youngest children during their sporting events. Most importantly she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Iris is also survived by her mother: Hilda Moreno of Ocala, Fla.; a daughter: Cody Totten and a son: Wyatt Totten both of the home; two sons: Nathaniel Totten and wife Lindsay of Alamogordo, N.M. and Matt Totten Jr. of Houston, Texas; two daughters: Louise Totten and Becky Minzoni and husband Marcello both of Houston, Texas; one sister: Yvette Guimmo and husband Mike of New Orleans; one brother: Andrew Viera of New Orleans; one uncle: Orlando of Ocala, Fla.; one aunt: Roanne of West Palm Beach, Fla. and three grandchildren: Creedence, Leonardo and Alexandra Iris.

Funeral services for Iris were celebrated Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego. Burial followed at Wamego City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to KSU Foundation: Iris Totten Memorial Geology Scholarship Fund and may be left in care of Stewart Funeral Home, PO Box 48, 66547, Wamego, KS. Online condolences may also be left at http://www.stewartfuneralhomes.com/.