Surja Maya Gaertner

Surja Maya Gaertner was born on January 4, 1965 and passed away March 30, 2025, at the age of 60.

She is survived by her children, Christine Robertson, George (Cheryl) Gaertner, and Maya (Kentton) Gaertner; her stepdaughter, Jennifer (Adali) Mendoza; and her mother-in-law, Doris Gaertner. She was a mother who loved her children with all her heart. She was a proud “Granny Annie” to Terra, Grace, Benjamin, Evelyn, Lilah, Gabriel, Ketton Ray and Gemma. And a special father figure Jim Smith.

Surja was preceded in death by her beloved husband and lifelong partner, George Gaertner.

Surja was born in Kathmandu Nepal, raised and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia before moving to Kentucky where she was warmly embraced by the Gaertner family quickly becoming its heart. She was the family cook, a cherished friend, a source of joy to all those around her and her smile and laugh would light up any room. She was kind and brought joy to all those around her.

She will be deeply missed and her legacy will forever be remembered in our hearts.

In keeping with her wishes, Surja will be cremated. A Memorial service will take place on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 2:00 pm in the chapel of Pine Knot Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for visitation after 12:00 noon until service time. She will be laid to rest in the Jellico Creek Cemetery.

Pine Knot Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.