News Summary
Frances ‘Frankie’ Louise Grace Ditto, a beloved musician and cherished member of the Chattanooga community, passed away at the age of 101. Born in Pennsylvania, Frankie cultivated a passion for music that spanned decades, actively participating in music-related activities throughout her life. She was treasured not only for her talents but also for her family values and dedication to community service. A memorial service will be held to honor her legacy and impact on the lives of those around her.
Chattanooga, Tennessee – Frances “Frankie” Louise Grace Ditto, a cherished musician and community member, passed away peacefully at the age of 101, surrounded by her loving family.
Life and Career
Frankie was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, before her family relocated to West Virginia, where her father worked for the railroad system. Her childhood was spent amidst the Grace family farm in Ohio Pyle and Gobblers Knob, Pennsylvania. As an only child, she found companionship in a large extended family filled with aunts, uncles, and cousins. During her adolescent years, the family moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where a passion for music blossomed.
Throughout her youth, Frankie developed a remarkable talent for singing, which led her to perform solos on radio station WHAS and entertain the troops with the USO at Fort Knox. She was actively involved with the Louisville Opera, taking part in various productions, including summer operas held at the Amphitheater. Her dedication to music continued at the University of Louisville, where she became a member of Chi Omega Sorority and Sigma Alpha Lota, as well as the National Music Sorority. Frankie earned her degree in Public School Music alongside a Bachelor of Music from the university.
Frankie’s personal life flourished as well. She met Robert “Bob” Jennings Ditto while attending the University of Louisville, and the couple married on February 7, 1948. They moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1955, where Frankie continued her musical journey by singing solos at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Her commitment to the arts was evident through her involvement with the Chattanooga Opera Guild, where she served on the board of directors multiple times.
Family and Passions
Frankie enjoyed a rich and fulfilling family life. She and Bob found joy in sailing, often renting boats for adventures in the British Virgin Islands and Tahiti, all while sharing these experiences with close friends. Some of her most cherished memories included the births of her two children, Cathy and Carl, as well as her granddaughter, Rebecca (Becky) Groff.
In addition to her passion for music, Frankie had a talent for cooking and entertaining, sharing delicious recipes with friends and family. Gardening was another one of her strong interests, where her floral designs won blue ribbons at competitions. She was also a gifted seamstress, an art she had enjoyed from a young age.
Frankie celebrated her 100th birthday on January 25, 2024, with two special celebrations, and just recently observed her 101st birthday at Dominion, surrounded by family and friends.
Memorial Service Details
Frankie is survived by her daughter Cathy (Stan) Groff, son Carl Ditto, and granddaughter Rebecca (Becky) Groff. A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, at First Presbyterian Church, located at 554 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, with Reverend Ron Brown leading the ceremony. Friends are welcome to visit from 10 a.m. until the service begins.
In lieu of flowers, Frankie’s family respectfully requests memorial donations be made to First Presbyterian Church Missions or Bethel Bible Village. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist.
Frankie’s impact on her family, friends, and community through her musical talents and generous spirit will be fondly remembered.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Chattanoogan: Frances “Frankie” Louise Grace Ditto
- Wikipedia: Music
- Chattanoogan: Chattanooga Opera Guild Auditions
- Google Search: Musical Performers
- Chattanoogan: Community Mourns Loss of Artist
- Google Scholar: Local Music Historian
- Chattanoogan: Celebrating Local Music Legend
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Music History
