Mrs. Lo Desta Karschnik born June 21, 1941 in Stratford, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully December 12, 2024. She was the beloved daughter of Edna Eeds Pitts and William H. Fortenberry.
Desta was known as someone fiercely loyal to her family, who never sugarcoated her words. Her favorite pastimes were reading historical novels, listening to Rush Limbaugh and talking politics for hours with her niece Cindy, who she loved like a daughter.
Desta was an uncommon beauty. She especially enjoyed shopping on/off Main Street in her full-length mink coat and high heels. She reveled in the looks on the faces of Ada’s self-appointed culturally elite, who never let her forget, she was born on the wrong side of the tracks.
Even though she never served in the military, Desta was a true patriot. She gave generously to numerous charities that support our troops and their families.
Desta and her husband owned Karschnik Electric. The prosperity of the business allowed them to contribute substantially to the growth of Ada and travel the world.
She briefly left Ada, however, her future husband Herb, chased her until she finally gave in to his proposal. When she returned, Herb and Desta were married. They enjoyed a long and happy marriage.
Desta is survived and will be greatly missed by her niece Cindy Bell, her husband Richard Bell Sr of Williamsburg, Virginia; nephews Richard Bell Jr of Merritt Island, Florida, William Bell and his wife Abby of College Station, Texas; niece Rachel Nesselrodt of Oklahoma; and niece Jaden and nephew Jett Chappell of Shawnee Oklahoma.
Lo Desta was preceded in death by her loving husband Herb Karschnik; stepfather, William S Pitts; sisters Doris Kinder, her husband Sam Kinder, Flora Fortenberry; brother Donald Fortenberry and nephew Darren Fortenberry.
There are no words that can express how grateful we were to have had Savannah Mott of Halo Hospice there with us at the time of her passing. Also, a heartfelt thank you to her nurses Tonika, Deana and Molly with Halo Hospice.
A private graveside service was held at Memorial Park Cemetery, December 17, 2024 to honor Lo Desta’s life. Pastor Kyle Mott officiated.
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
