Cedar Bluff mourns 11‑year‑old Amaya Rosa Matney; family and friends honor her memory with heartfelt tributes.
The Cedar Bluff, Virginia, community is mourning the heartbreaking and unexpected death of Amaya Rosa Matney, who passed away on June 12, 2026, at just 11 years old.
Born on July 31, 2014, in Richlands, Virginia, Amaya was the beloved daughter of Donald and Barbie Meadows Matney. Her passing has left her family devastated and has created a profound sense of loss among friends and neighbors who knew her as a bright and loving child.
Amaya was a lifelong resident of Cedar Bluff and was cherished deeply by her parents, siblings, grandparents, and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Dolly Meadows, but is survived by her maternal grandfather, Ernest Meadows of Jewell Ridge, Virginia, and her paternal grandparents, Belva and Leon Matney of Pounding Mill, Virginia.
Her siblings include Lisa Matney, Kimberly Humphrey and husband Bryan, Leann Stiltner and husband Mack, Emily Combs and husband Shaun, Paige Yates and husband Brian, Taylor Dye and husband Devin, and her brother Aaden Matney.
She also leaves behind nieces and nephews Hayven Yates, Haddie Yates, Trey Yates, Wyatt Humphrey, Levi Stiltner, and C.J. Stiltner, all of whom adored her and will carry her memory forward.
Private graveside services were held at Mitchell Cemetery in Jewell Ridge, Tazewell County, Virginia. Pallbearers included Jody Meadows, Marty Stiltner, Gabe Lester, Brian Yates, Bryan Humphrey, and Anthony Price, reflecting the close bonds of family and community that surrounded Amaya throughout her life.
Arrangements were handled by Hurst‑Scott Funeral Home, which emphasized the family’s request for privacy during this difficult time.
Though her life was tragically short, Amaya’s presence brought joy and light to those around her. Family members describe her as a bright and loving child whose laughter and kindness touched everyone she met.
The obituary emphasizes that she will be missed every day, and her memory will live on in the hearts of her parents, siblings, grandparents, and extended family.
Friends and relatives have shared tributes recalling her playful spirit, her love for family gatherings, and the happiness she brought into their lives.
The community of Cedar Bluff has rallied around the Matney family, offering condolences and support as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
Neighbors and friends have expressed their grief, noting that Amaya’s passing is not only a personal tragedy for her family but also a loss felt throughout the town. Her story is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.
As the family continues to mourn, they find comfort in the memories they shared with Amaya and in the support of their community. Her legacy will endure through the love she gave and the joy she brought to others.
Though her time on earth was brief, her impact was profound, and she will forever remain a cherished part of her family’s story.
Amaya Rosa Matney’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of how precious life is, especially when it is cut short so unexpectedly.
The Cedar Bluff community will continue to honor her memory, ensuring that her spirit lives on through the stories, love, and bonds she created during her eleven years.
