Anita R. Khan, age 75, passed away from natural causes on Tuesday morning, April 29,
2025, at her residence in Trinidad, Colorado. Anita was born in Trinidad on December
11, 1949, to Lily (Martinez) and Irving Ling. She attended Trinidad High School and
Trinidad Junior College, and worked as a waitress at local eateries. She later moved to
Denver, Colorado, where she lived until returning to Trinidad in her later years to provide
companionship and care to her mother.
Anita was preceded in death by her mother Lily Martinez; father Irving H. Ling;
stepfather John A. Martinez; sister Eileen Ling Linker; nieces Rachel Linker and Juanita
Linker; infant sister Carol Ann Martinez; brother Robert Ling; brother Aaron Martinez;
and nephew Charlie Anselmo.
She is survived by her two daughters Eileen Birk (husband Erik Birk) and Amanda Khan
(father Amjad Khan); brother Larry Ling (wife Sharon Erdman); sisters Gloria Olson
(fiancé John David Ott), Elizabeth Gibson (husband Todd Gibson), and Iris Martinez;
grandchildren Logan Birk and Gage Birk; numerous nieces and nephews, and her two
loyal feline companions, Pepper and Mama.
Anita was an avid reader and loved books, best read with a purring cat snuggled up in
her lap. Similar to her mom, she had a sweet tooth and a serious affinity for chocolate,
especially Hershey bars and Dove ice cream bars. She enjoyed playing video games,
watching movies and TV shows, and doing crossword puzzles. She was a skilled
accountant and worked for CDOT as well as Qwest (formerly US West). Anita was
known for her generosity to family and friends, who have fond memories of how much
she loved giving impromptu gifts and taking family members shopping. She was fiercely
independent, resilient, and resourceful, and worked hard to provide for her two
daughters as a single mother.
Anita had more than her share of loss and hardships during her lifetime, including health
struggles, but she endured. Finally, the day came to lay down her burdens and fly away
to Heaven, free of pain and at peace. “Those we’ve lost are borne up on wings of love
that carry them gently into the light.” – Ellen Brenneman.
Anita’s final resting place will be at Trinidad Catholic Cemetery next to her mother. A
graveside funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, with a
condolence gathering to follow immediately afterwards. Details of the gathering will be
announced at the funeral service, or you can contact a family member for details.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to SSCOG AAA Meals, a meal-delivery
service for seniors in Trinidad. They accept donations by cash or check at SCCOG AAA
Meals, 300 Bonaventure Avenue, Trinidad, CO 81082.
Arrangements made under the care of Comi Funeral Home
