Anya Sophia Malton

Anya Sophia Malton, 16, of Onaway, died unexpectedly Monday, May 19, 2025. The daughter of Anthony and Kenya (Bivins) Malton, Anya was born in Onaway July 18, 2008.

Intelligent and highly motivated, Anya completed her high school education early with plans to attend North Central Michigan College in Petoskey this coming fall and eventually transfer to Central Michigan to get her teaching degree. Enthusiastic about becoming a teacher, she volunteered in the Onaway Elementary School helping in the first-grade classroom. Hardworking, Anya has worked at Tom’s Family Market in Onaway and currently was employed by Manzana’s where she was a dishwasher and prep-cook.

Anya had a tender place in her heart for all animals. She had a pet snail, she humorously named, “Speedy,” and the love of her life, her cat, “Pearl.”  She definitely had a way with animals as Pearl was a stray, not easily tamed, but adored Anya. Quite artistic, Anya loved to draw and was involved with the Children’s Theater at the Cheboy

gan Opera House. She enjoyed playing soccer with her team in Indian River.

Anya was a sweet girl with a kind and loving personality with a touch of attitude and a little sass. She was feisty and an angel at the same time. She will be deeply missed by her parents, Anthony and Kenya Malton of Onaway; brothers, Michael of Petoskey, David of Onaway, Aaron of Petoskey, and Benjamin of Onaway; sisters, Kayla and Gabrielle, both of Onaway; as well as her grandmother, Carol David of Detroit.

Anya was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Larry Bivins and Willie Malton; and a grandmother, Catherine Hendrix.

Visitation will be held at Chagnon Funeral Home from noon until the funeral service beginning at 1 p.m. Friday, May 23. Family friend, Roger Marsh, will officiate. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a contribution in memory of Anya to her parents to help with final expenses.