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
Marianne Liggett
16 Feb 2023Beautiful words. I will miss her so much. Love and condolences sent to all.
Jim Haskell
18 Feb 2023Tonya pioneered a whole new look and acceptance of female bodybuilders. She will be greatly missed.
Storm
5 May 2023Hi…this is Storm from American gladiators….I became her alternate on the showhttps://youtu.be/iyPzZGMoFv
Without her I wouldn’t be me…my heart is heavy….her last words to me was I love you Debbie….I love you too my angel.
Dean Chance
11 May 2023I was holding you were going to be okay. Dean from Facebook never really knew you we chatted there on occasion so young you are missed say Hello to God for me. Take care family and friends
Parrish Keith
11 May 2023Tonya….I thought about you alot today Sister.See you in Heaven.
Neil Thomas Denton
31 May 2023Oh Tonya I am so sorry and extremely saddened that you had to go through this.I just found out a week ago that you were gone. I’m sorry I didn’t get to say goodbye and I’m sorry our friendship was on the rocks and we stopped talking.I had so much I wanted to say to you and now you’re gone😔. I’m truly grateful you came into my life and we became such great friends you were like an older sister to me and I’m going to miss you so much Tonya .I love you Buddy Good bye tell we meet again-❤️Neil
Craig Tores
28 Jun 2024I Just Discovered The Passing Of Tonya & I Am Deeply Saddened To Know That She Passed Especially With Cancer,ItMakes Me Wonder How & Why That We As Bodybuilders & Fitness Enthusiasts Are Placed So High Regard Yet Healthy Sometimes Is Secondary To Winning,Unfortunately To Be The Best Comes With A Cost & Sadly The World Lost A Beautiful Treasure Of A Woman.May God Bless You Tonya Knight & May God Always Keep Your Legacy Strong As Well As The People That Will Keep You Alive In Their Hearts,Mind & Soul.She Was & Will Always Be Remembered As My Favorite Female Bodybuilder For Her Beautiful Body & Heart,Amen.🙏🏼❤😪😔