Lory Patrick, the actress and former model known for her many 1960s TV roles, has died at 92. She passed away peacefully on January 26 at her home in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, surrounded by family. Born Loretta Basham on April 8, 1933, in Beckley, West Virginia, she began her career in modeling before moving into acting.

Early in her journey, not everyone believed in her talent. During a film interview in New York, a producer reportedly dismissed her, saying, “Pretty girls can’t act.” Instead of giving up, Patrick used the criticism as motivation and moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting seriously.

Her determination quickly paid off. In the early 1960s, she signed with Universal Studios and landed her first role on The Loretta Young Show within three days. She later appeared as Tina Swenson on Tales of Wells Fargo and went on to guest-star in more than 70 television episodes, including Bonanza and Wagon Train. She also appeared in films such as Surf Party and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

Beyond acting, Patrick wrote episodes for Bonanza, becoming one of the few women working behind the scenes in television at the time. She later authored the faith-centered book Hearing God and directed stage productions.

In 1973, she married Disney actor Dean Jones, known for That Darn Cat!. They were married for 42 years and later devoted themselves to ministry work. After stepping away from acting, Patrick focused on family, faith, and writing.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and extended family. On and off screen, Lory Patrick leaves behind a legacy of resilience, creativity, and quiet dedication.