Tonya L. Knight

Tonya Lea Knight, 56, passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at her parents’ home after a long battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family. Her visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 17, 2023 at Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, Missouri. Funeral Service to follow at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: First Christian Church of Buckner, MO. or KC Pet Project of Kansas City: kcpetproject.org

Tonya was born in Kirksville, Mo on March 24, 1966. She was loved by her siblings, friends, and family. Tonya loved the sport of body building and entered several competitions such as Miss Missouri, USA Championship, NPC USA, Pro World, IFBB Ms Olympia, Ms International, won the Arnold Schwarzenegger classic twice, and played Gold on the American Gladiators TV show. She traveled to many countries as a guest poser and guest speaker giving seminars on nutrition, eating healthy, and how to build muscles.  Tonya was loved by her fellow body builders, who reached out to her during her illness. She was on the front cover of magazines such as Muscle & Fitness.

Her survivors include her son, Malachi Knight Ray of Kansas City, Mo; Mother, Karen Miller, Step-Father, Joseph Miller of Odessa, Mo; brothers, Todd Knight (Tracie), of Belton, Mo; Travis Miller of Bates City, Mo; Joseph Miller Jr. (Chanin), of Independence, Mo; Michael Miller (Erin), of Olathe KS; Timothy Knight of Ft Lauderville, FL; sister, Jamie Cowan (Ricky), Archie, Mo; and several nieces and nephews.

Tonya is preceded in death by her father, Jimmy Knight; Grandparents, Derill and Mary Pierson, and Ross and Lenore Knight.

She had a great love for her career, family, friends and her pets.

When your loved one becomes a memory ~ Every memory becomes a treasure

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441