Maya E. Getz

Maya Elizabeth Getz, 14, of Lafayette, Ind., passed away on Friday, August 17, 2012, as a result of an ATV accident, surrounded by her loving family. Maya was born, 4 weeks early, on September 3, 1997 to Maggie and Jason Getz in Columbus, Indiana. The daughter of a park manager, Maya grew up in the state parks of Indiana and developed a deep love and appreciation for nature and wildlife, nursing numerous animals back to health.
Maya had a vibrant spirit and unparalleled zest for life as evidenced by her numerous extra-curricular activities. Maya participated in soccer, cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, and track. She was also a member of the speech team and played saxophone in band. Maya also loved baking with her little sister Leanna, going fishing with her brother, and had a flare for creative writing, dramatic arts, and storytelling.
She was able to use her sweet, compassionate nature to help those less fortunate during a recent mission trip to Jamaica with her older sister, Alex, where she helped with building construction projects at a deaf school and cared for orphaned children. Maya will be remembered for her sparkling personality, tenacious spirit, boundless energy, and her sweet, infectious laugh. Maya was only able to share her kindness, wit and beauty for fourteen years, but she will live on in the hearts of so many forever.
Maya is survived by her loving parents, Maggie (Mann) Getz and Jason Getz; siblings Alexandra,Leanna and Ethan Getz, all of Battle Ground, Ind.; grandparents Doris Getz of Francesville, Ind., Colvin Mann of Lafayette, Ind., Deborah Mann of Lafayette, Ind., and Timothy Slaughterbeck of Lafayette, Ind.; and her aunts, uncles, and cousins. Maya was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Susan Slaughterbeck and her paternal grandfather, Keith Getz.
Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 22, 2012, at Soller-Baker Funeral Home on Twyckenham. Funeral Services will be 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at Tippecanoe County Amphitheater; pastor David Henderson officiating.
Contributions may be made to Covenant Church in West Lafayette for the Maya Getz memorial fund.