Lory Patrick, the actress who appeared on the popular Western series “Tales of Wells Fargo” and many other television programs throughout the 1960s, died on January 26, 2026, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. She was 92.
Her family stated that Patrick passed away peacefully. She had been married to Dean Jones for 42 years, remaining together until he died in September 2015 at age 84 from Parkinson’s disease.
Born Loretta Basham on April 8, 1933, in Beckley, West Virginia, Patrick graduated from Oak Hill High School before beginning a career in modeling. She worked in Detroit and New York, appearing in commercials before entering show business through the NBC game show “Split Personality,” which eventually led her to relocate to Los Angeles to pursue acting.
Patrick signed with Universal Studios in 1961 and soon appeared on “The Loretta Young Show.” She then secured her best‑known TV role as teacher Tina Swenson on “Tales of Wells Fargo,” performing alongside Dale Robertson in 15 episodes during the show’s sixth and final season.
Beyond “Tales of Wells Fargo,” Patrick developed an extensive television resume throughout the 1960s. Her appearances included “Bonanza,” “Wagon Train,” “Dr. Kildare,” “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis,” and “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet,” showcasing her range across various genres during television’s golden age.
Her film roles included the 1964 movie “Surf Party” and the 1967 musical comedy “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” an adaptation of the Broadway hit that delivered a humorous look at American corporate culture.
Patrick left acting in the late 1960s, a time when the entertainment industry was undergoing major changes. She remained connected to Hollywood by writing, contributing scripts for “Bonanza”—a significant milestone at a time when few women were working as TV writers.
Her creativity extended beyond television. In 1993, she published the book “Hearing God,” which received the 2000 Excellence in Print Award, reflecting her increasing interest in spiritual subjects after retiring from acting.
In 1984, Patrick directed the stage production “St. John in Exile,” a touring show starring her husband, Dean Jones. Its success led to a filmed version in 1986, for which Patrick was credited as the stage director.
Patrick’s first marriage was to science fiction writer Harlan Ellison. They married and divorced in 1966; she was the third of Ellison’s five spouses. She later wed Jones in June 1973, becoming his second wife, and they remained married until his death.
During her marriage to Jones, Patrick was deeply involved in ministry and counseling. The couple devoted much of their later life to faith‑based and charitable work, stepping away from Hollywood.
Following Jones’ death, Patrick relocated from Tarzana, California, to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to be closer to family. The move allowed her to spend more time with her growing family while continuing her creative pursuits outside the entertainment industry.
Patrick leaves behind three children, eight grandchildren, and nine great‑grandchildren.
Patrick’s career emerged during a key period in American television, when Westerns dominated prime‑time schedules and many actresses transitioned from modeling into acting. Her work on “Tales of Wells Fargo” came toward the end of the classic Western surge, shortly before the genre began to fade in the late 1960s.
Her transition into writing for “Bonanza” placed her among the relatively few women behind the scenes in TV during a male‑dominated era. Female writers faced significant barriers in the 1960s, making Patrick’s achievements as both an actress and writer particularly noteworthy. Her work on the long‑running Western demonstrated her strong grasp of the genre from multiple creative perspectives.