Lory Patrick, the actress who appeared on the well‑known Western series “Tales of Wells Fargo” as well as numerous other TV shows throughout the 1960s, passed away on January 26, 2026, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. She was 92.
Patrick died peacefully, according to her family. She was the widow of Dean Jones. The pair were married for 42 years, until Jones’ death in September 2015 from Parkinson’s disease at age 84.
Born Loretta Basham on April 8, 1933, in Beckley, West Virginia, Patrick finished her studies at Oak Hill High School before beginning a modeling career. She modeled in Detroit and New York, where she also appeared in TV commercials. Her entrance into entertainment came through the NBC game show “Split Personality,” which inspired her move to Los Angeles to pursue acting.
After signing with Universal Studios in 1961, Patrick appeared on “The Loretta Young Show” and soon after landed her most prominent TV role. She portrayed teacher Tina Swenson in “Tales of Wells Fargo,” acting alongside Dale Robertson in 15 episodes during the show’s sixth and final season.
Outside of “Tales of Wells Fargo,” Patrick built a broad television resume during the 1960s. Her credits included “Bonanza,” “Wagon Train,” “Dr. Kildare,” “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis,” and “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.” Her roles spanned numerous genres, reflecting her versatility during TV’s golden era.
Patrick’s film work included “Surf Party” in 1964 and the 1967 musical comedy “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” The latter, adapted from the Broadway musical, featured an ensemble cast and offered a satirical take on American corporate life.
She stepped away from acting in the late 1960s, a period when many actors were navigating shifts in the studio system and the evolving world of television production. Patrick stayed connected to the industry through writing, contributing episodes to “Bonanza,” a notable achievement given the scarcity of women writers in television at the time.
Her creative pursuits extended past screenwriting. In 1993, she authored the book “Hearing God,” which earned the 2000 Excellence in Print Award. The devotional text highlighted her growing interest in spiritual themes after her acting career.
In 1984, Patrick directed the stage production “St John in Exile,” which toured nationwide and starred her husband Dean Jones. Its success led to a 1986 film adaptation, with Jones returning to the lead role. Patrick was credited as the stage director for the filmed version.
Patrick’s first marriage was to science fiction author Harlan Ellison. They wed and divorced in 1966, with Patrick being the third of Ellison’s five wives. She later married Jones in June 1973, becoming his second wife, and they remained together until his death more than 40 years later.
Throughout her marriage to Jones, Patrick was active in ministry and counseling work. The couple’s shared dedication to faith-driven initiatives shaped much of their later lives, shifting their focus away from Hollywood and toward religious and charitable service.
After Jones’ passing, Patrick moved from Tarzana, California, to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to be nearer to relatives. The relocation allowed her to spend more time with her expanding family while continuing personal creative interests outside show business.
Patrick is survived by three children, eight grandchildren, and nine great‑grandchildren. A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on April 25 at Mossy Living World Church in Scarbro, West Virginia.
Patrick’s career unfolded during a pivotal era in American television, when Westerns were a staple of prime‑time viewing and many actresses transitioned into the field from modeling. Her work on “Tales of Wells Fargo” came near the end of the classic Western boom, just before the genre’s decline in the late 1960s.
Her move into writing for “Bonanza” placed her among a small group of women working behind the scenes in TV at a time when the industry was still heavily male‑dominated. Female scriptwriters faced considerable challenges in the 1960s, making Patrick’s dual achievements as both an actress and writer especially significant. Her contributions to the long‑running Western reflected her deep understanding of the genre from multiple angles.