Beloved Bonanza and Wagon Train Actress Lory Patrick Dies at 92

Lory Patrick, the versatile actress whose presence graced some of television’s most beloved Westerns, has passed away at the age of 92. Born Loretta Basham, Patrick died peacefully on January 26, 2026, at her home in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, surrounded by family.

Her passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Hollywood’s golden age — a time when television was rapidly expanding and strong, adaptable performers became household names.

From West Virginia to Hollywood

Born on April 8, 1933, in Beckley, West Virginia, Patrick grew up far from the bright lights of Los Angeles. Yet from an early age, she possessed a quiet determination that would shape her future.

Before acting, she built a successful modeling career in Detroit and New York. Her striking features and confident presence earned her steady work in print and advertising. But modeling was never her final goal.

During a film interview in Manhattan, she was reportedly told by a producer that “pretty girls can’t act.” Instead of discouraging her, the remark fueled her resolve.

She moved to Los Angeles shortly thereafter — and within days, she landed a role on The Loretta Young Show. It was the beginning of a prolific run in television.

A Familiar Face of 1960s Television

Patrick quickly became a steady presence during television’s boom years. After signing with Universal Studios, she gained widespread recognition for her role as schoolteacher Tina Swenson on NBC’s Tales of Wells Fargo, starring opposite Dale Robertson.

Throughout the 1960s, she appeared in more than 70 television productions. Her credits include guest roles on Bonanza, Wagon Train, Dr. Kildare, and The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet — shows that defined an era of American television.

She also appeared in feature films such as Surf Party and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, proving her range extended beyond Western dramas.

Patrick’s screen presence was marked by warmth, poise, and a natural authenticity that made her memorable even in brief appearances.

Breaking Barriers Behind the Camera

While many actresses of her generation remained confined to on-screen roles, Patrick quietly carved out space behind the scenes.

She contributed scripts to Bonanza, becoming one of the few women of her era to step into television writing. At a time when the industry was overwhelmingly male-dominated, her transition into creative development reflected both courage and ambition.

Her artistic expression later expanded beyond television. In 1993, she authored the faith-centered book Hearing God, sharing personal reflections on spirituality and perseverance.

She also directed the stage production St. John in Exile in 1984, starring her husband, showcasing her continued commitment to storytelling even after retiring from regular acting work.

A Love Story and Shared Ministry

Patrick’s personal life was defined by her 42-year marriage to actor Dean Jones, the beloved Disney leading man known for roles in family classics.

The couple married in 1973 and remained deeply devoted to one another until Jones’s passing in 2015 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.

Together, they devoted significant energy to ministry and humanitarian efforts. As active members and elders at The Church on the Way in California, they co-founded the Christian Rescue Fund, supporting faith-based outreach and global aid initiatives.

Before her marriage to Jones, Patrick was briefly married to science-fiction author Harlan Ellison in 1966.

A Quiet Final Chapter

After stepping away from the spotlight in the late 1960s, Patrick embraced a quieter life centered on art, writing, faith, and family.

Following Dean Jones’s death, she relocated to Pennsylvania to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by three children, eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and four siblings — a family legacy that reflects a life rooted deeply in love and continuity.

A Lasting Legacy

For fans who remember her roles in Western classics, Lory Patrick remains part of television history. Her performances helped shape an era of storytelling defined by frontier spirit, moral clarity, and emotional depth.

But beyond the screen, her legacy is one of resilience.

From overcoming early skepticism in Hollywood to writing, directing, and building a life of faith and service, Patrick demonstrated that talent paired with determination can leave a lasting imprint.

Her story is not only about fame — it is about perseverance, reinvention, and grace.

Lory Patrick may have stepped away from the camera decades ago, but the light she brought to the screen — and to those who knew her — continues to shine.