It’s been said the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where loved ones gather, where we connect, where we celebrate holidays, and where we enjoyed J’nine’s world-famous caramel rolls.
But we shouldn’t give the kitchen too much credit. The kitchen isn’t the heart of the home—that was J’nine Dittus.
J’nine Michelle Dittus was born September 12, 1965 to Susan (Susie) and Lawren Frost (Frosty) in Glasgow, Montana. J’nine was the 5th child to join the Frost Clan, after Stuart, Jacquie, Danny and Billy. After J’nine, came Chee Chee. J’nine was adored by her siblings, having a unique bond with each of them.
October 30th, 1988, she became the proudest mom of Bradley Alan. J’nine’s love multiplied as Ryan Adam, Jesse Edward and Hope Ann entered this world. J’nine was the definition of the perfect mom, effortlessly making time for each and every one of them to feel important and special. She showed up… for every event or accomplishment, no matter how big or small, she showed up. She was incredibly proud of her kids, and she made it known!
An exceptional cook, doting caregiver, loyal friend, sister, mother, and grandmother, J’nine left us too early, but jam-packed a lifetime of love, adventures, and memories into her 57 years on earth. With wisdom beyond her years and an unending supply of patience, J’nine understood the recipe for a happy life—surround yourself with loved ones, maintain a childlike spirit, make room for practical jokes, and approach every interaction with an open heart. Her children were lucky enough to experience a mother that they describe as an angel on earth. The love they had for each other was unconditional and unending, almost enviable from the outside looking in.
J’nine broke a few pie crusts along the way—but you’d never know it. Her steely resolve and mental toughness was admired by friends and family, many often wondering how she could maintain such grace amid the chaos and unimaginable heartbreak she endured throughout her life. Even as a child J’nine exhibited an exceptional work ethic, often putting in late hours at the family’s campground, Trails West in Glasgow, MT. The friendships J’nine formed as a child, endured the test of time. She had countless lifelong friends, always making it a point to maintain those connections.
Resolute yet tender, resilient yet compassionate, J’nine genuinely found joy in making others around her feel special.
Birthdays and holidays were a big deal at J’nine’s house—and she has a lifetime of VHS tapes to prove it; she never missed recording and memorializing a cherished family event. As unique as her name’s spelling, J’nine quite possibly missed her calling as a stage performer. You might find her dancing around the kitchen in her socks while singing into a spatula or chasing around the grandkids in a Halloween mask. It was always fun at Nana’s house.
There’s no doubt that J’nine’s kids and grandkids were the main ingredients to her happiness. Early on motocross, and a dash of mischief often hallmarked their time together—always sealed and cured in laughter. Later as the grandchildren arrived the fun and love only increased. She was far from an average grandma, she was “Nana”, a title she naturally excelled at. J’nine was a fierce protector of her family.
As a caregiver and daycare provider, J’nine treated every child as her own. She looked after countless children through the years and served as an extended mom to many. Accepting and inclusive, you knew you were welcome at J’nine’s day or night, and there was always room at the table for just one more.
As our angel here on earth, we’re still trying to understand why you were taken from us so soon. We are all better humans for knowing you. We’ll take a cue from you and check in on each other, make sure everyone is fed, and the house is tidy, but please know your absence is palpable.
You were our rock, our joy, and our strength—the heart of our home and our community. We will miss you always and forever. The solace of light during this time is imaging the beautiful reunion you are having with your boys.
J’nine was preceded in death by her beloved sons Bradley and Ryan Dittus; mother Susan Frost; father Lawren Frost.
J’nine will be greatly missed by her son, Jesse (Savanah) and only daughter, Hope (Kacey) Dittus; grandchildren Briley, Kinley, Paisley and Langston ; brothers Stuart (Holly) Frost; Danny (Rosa) Frost; Bill (Stacy) Frost; Sisters Jacquie (Joe) Cates and Chee Chee Frost, as well as many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Friday, February 3, 2023, with family receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Grace Bible Church in Miles City. A graveside service will follow at the family lot of Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday February 3, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Memorial Service
1:00 PM
Saturday February 4, 2023
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service
Following Memorial Service
Saturday February 4, 2023
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday February 3, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Memorial Service
1:00 PM
Saturday February 4, 2023
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service
Following Memorial Service
Saturday February 4, 2023
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Bev williams says
Oh J’9, I can not believe you are gone. I will never forget the time we spent worken our butts off side by side. To all of her family, I am so sorry you have lost your mom, she was so very proud of each one of you and her grandbabies were loved beyond words. I will miss you forever my friend😢
Rachel gundlach says
My heart breaks for Hopie and Bubba and her entire family. She was absolutely amazing and I cannot believe she is gone😢. Fond memories of picking the kids up from day care and they smelled so good with baby lotion! You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Stephanie mazzuca says
My heart is just broken I admired her strength and I love her so much
Elaine Schieffer says
I got to know your mom when she was a little girl living across the street from us in Glasgow. Then I was so fortunate to get to know you in kindergarten and through friends. Her love shined in each of you. I know it will continue as your daily activities remind you of her and you share those memories with your children and friends. I am thinking of you and keeping you on my prayers.
Shannon Holmen says
Such sad news. She took care of every Baby as if it were her own. So sorry to her kids. Here’s to good memories.
Janet Klein says
Such a heartbreaker…she was such a hard working lady and loved all the babies she took care of! Always a smile and a hug for you no matter how she was feeling. Janine you have had such heartache and heartbreak in you life, now you are in Jesus’ arms. Rest in peace lovely lady…you deserve it.
Ken and Vicki Hess says
Oh, so sorry for your loss. May God bless you and keep you and help you through this incredibly sad time.
KAREN AND RAY PELLANT says
I am sorry for your loss. Prayers and comfort for all of you.
Raylynn Sleight says
Sending lots of love and prayers to the many grieving people touched by J’nine’s amazing personality. Extra prayers to Hope & Jesse as you chart these already choppy waters of grief. Hugs and more hugs to her grandbabies who will greatly miss their adventurous, wonderful nana.
TED STEIN says
Oh my, this is such shocking news. I want to wish ask of her family and friends my condolences. I always enjoyed running into her, whether it was at the college or around town. My heart goes out to all that were in her life.
Darbie Karch says
So saddened to hear of her passing. She was a wonderful person and had a heart of gold. Keeping her family in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. She will be missed by so many. 💜
Kyla Kennedy says
Jesse and Hope I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful person, and will be missed by so many people. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Denise Harvey says
Oh, my heart breaks.
I am so very, very sorry. Prayers and hugs to all of you. A wonderful loving lady who will be missed greatly. May you find some comfort in knowing she is watching over you all with such love. We will always miss our moms.
Denise Harvey
Tanya Cox says
J 9 I love the short time we worked together to you are an amazing woman . To her family sorry for your loss. Fly High J9
Lisa Malloy says
I have so much to say and wishing I would have said something sooner. I will forever remember how much of a joy and light you were. Your smile will forever be in my heart. It’s just not the same without you here. To J’Nine’s wonderful family, I hope you will be able to find peace in your heart. Heaven received such a beautiful soul.
Mike Carney says
Jess/Hope and her siblings my thoughts and prayers go out to you. J’ nine can not believe that you are gone, never thought this would happen so soon. I keep remembering the times we would all get together for lunch serve with fermented grapes and the many other social events while we were in high school with Rick, Kevin and Steve. Life is precious and you were a bright shining star in the darkness for your children. I am sure your boys Bradley and Ryan met you at the gates of heaven. May you rest in peace and watch over Jesse/Hope and your grandchildren while they are here on earth.
Cindy Foster says
J’nine was my cousin. My heart breaks for all the family. She is now with her precious boys and loved ones! Sending much love and prayers!🙏❤️🙏. Cindy(Stuart} Foster
Ron and Connie Watts says
Jesse and Hope, we are so very sorry to hear this. May God bless your entire family and may His Grace give you peace and comfort.
Jaid Beacham says
Dad and I already miss you so much. We will miss giving you lip (and you giving it right back), having you try to punch me in the arm, or you telling me to rearrange something for the 50th time just to get me riled up. You took amazing care of the TCC girls and I, i’ll never forget how you taught me to be a hard worker and an even better personality hire. We love you J9❤️
Novelene, Caitlyn, Ethan Martin says
Hope and Bubba, your mom, NeNe, was such an amazing part of my kids early years. She wasn’t just their daycare provider – she was someone they loved. There are so many great memories that happened with her. I still smile thinking about the time J’nine and Hope came me with and kids to Disney World. J’nine was sure Security had stolen our booze (until she looked in the other suitcase). We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob and Deanna Berg says
We never got to know J’nine but heard such amazing things about her. She was the Grandma to our 2 great nieces, Briley and Kinley. They were so lucky to have a Grandma like her.. Our hearts are broken for her family. We send you alot of love and hugs.❤❤🤗🤗
Cindy and Dale Berg says
To J’nines family,
We are so very sorry! So enjoyed visiting with her and enjoyed her spunky personality! So many prayers to you all now and in the difficult days ahead. God bless!
Darla Gillaspie says
I will never be able to express the love I feel or received from you❤️. You were the pee your pants laughs.. share stories… love that radiates to everyone that you never even knew. Our stories are too far many to mention but never forgotten. You taught me to be strong when I thought I couldn’t move one and you taught me about unconditional love and forgiveness. I find strength in our memories and the last thing you said to me …” I love you and that makes it worth tomorrow”. I love you so much and my heart cannot express how much I will miss you!!’
Kim Stanton says
Dear Jesse and Hope,
Please accept our condolences on the tragic loss of your beloved mom. So many people respected and loved her beyond words. Many of us are praying for you and your extended family as you deal with the loss of your biggest champion, the most loving, and cherished mom. Sending you hugs, much love, and prayers for your comfort and healing.
Kim, Kyle, Kasey and Christina Stanton
Patricia Molloy says
Jnine was a amazing light in everyone’s life
Lynn Holom Harper says
J’nine family. I am so sorry for your loss. Your momma was a beautiful soul with strength and dignity. God Bless you all and J’nine may you rest in peace.
Deb Bartholomew and Family says
Hope and Jesse and families
I am so sorry for your loss of the your Mom. J’Nine was truly a strong, beautiful and amazing Lady. She always a had a smile on her face, heart of gold and was an amazing day care Lady to all of her kiddos she took care of. God has gained a Beautiful Angel. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. She will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. Treasure your memories as they will help you thru difficult days ahead. Love, thoughts and prayers are with you all!!
Mary Kings Grube says
I am so shocked to see this. May God comfort you all at this time. We were part of all the registered, licensed daycares back in the day. She just left all too soon, but I know she’s in a better place. I am so sorry for your loss.
Cindy Chinn Kobos says
I never had the privilege of meeting this beautiful lady but I know her sis Jacque and niece Amber based on that know she had a kind heart and a sparkling personality. May she rest in peace. My sincere condolences to family and friends.
Ana says
My deepest sympathy for your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you ❤️
Brett & Shauna Johnson says
Bubba & Hope. I have no words to say, but please know you are in our thoughts and prayers for the many days to come. Please know you are loved and you have so many people who are here for you. Please reach out to us or them when you need support. I am so sorry!
Kriddle Dawn says
My trip to Montana to see you, Ryan, Bubba, and Hopey was a million times more memorable than flying to London. I’ll never forget the cold from hell that your house gave me nor will I be able to look at Vicks VapoRub in the same way…ever again….
You are my sunshine….
Love and miss you…always,
Kriddle Dawn
Susie Mazzuca Doll says
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time.
I will always remember her beautiful smile.
Judy and Ray Sprandel says
Jnine was truly a one of a kind. Her light shone to all those around her. May Gods love surround you Hope and Jesse during this difficult time. Know she will forever watch over you and yours and her family and friends.
Stephanie Hernandez says
I’m had the privilege to meet Jnine when I worked at Jefferson school and worked with Bradley and did some house care with Bradley through DEAP. Wonderful woman and mom . My heart goes out to her family .
Lois and Barry Pinnell says
Oh J’Nine you will be missed beyond words. There is no doubt you will shine on through Jesse, Hope and those precious Grandies of yours.
Your heart and soul were so beautiful – you have left everyone that you touched, on this earth, with a broken heart.
Fly high amazing Lady.
Louise de Montigny says
Danny, and all the Frost family
My sincere condolences to you for the loss of this beautiful part of your family. Peace and love be with you.
Theresa A Smelser says
I will ALWAYS remember and love ❤️ J’nine’s beautiful, sweet smile, kind nature, and pretty eyes. We went to school together and I have such fond memories of her 💓 toward every one.
Cora Davis (Gartner) says
I am so very sorry to hear of this. Prayers to the entire Frost family. She was a gem.
Michele Mickolio says
I am so sorry for your loss. The love in her eyes for all of you is breath taking. She will live on in each of you. Charish the memories and her love. Wow what a beautiful life and love.