Rita J. Karns

Rita Josephine Karns (Ballinger), was born January 9, 1930 in Columbus, Ohio to Sophie E. Ballinger (Jackowski) and William E. Ballinger a former Sargent in the United States Marine Corps. She passed away on June 23, 2020 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Sherman, sister, Mary Frances Diltz and bother-in-law Warren Diltz of Dayton, Ohio. She is survived by: her son Sherman E. Karns, II and his wife Jan, many cousins living in the Dayton, Ohio area; many grandchildren, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren living in Florida, Texas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Rita loved children and was always there if needed. Rita and Sherman met at Skateland in Dayton, Ohio and married 2 years later. Rita was a magician’s helper to her husband; a hobby that he started at age 9. In later years they owned and operated Karns Ice Cream Delights in Surry Hills, Oklahoma. She loved the outdoors while living in Colorado and enjoyed camping. She was quick to say “You go fish, I’ll stay here and talk to the squirrels”. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Rita J. Karns please visit our Sympathy Store.