Virginia Patton dead: It’s a Wonderful Life actress dies at 97 as co-star shares heartache | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV
She was confirmed to have died on Thursday at an assisted living facility in Albany, Georgia.
Her death was announced by the Mathews Funeral Home, who included her death in their list of obituaries.
Her co-star Karolyn Grimes, who played Zuzu Bailey as a child, took to Facebook to share her heartbreak.
An account for the Jimmy Stewart Museum also paid their respects. A spokesperson said: “We are saddened to hear of Virginia Patton Moss’ passing.
“She played Ruth Dakin Bailey (Harry’s wife) in ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.”
Film historian, James L Neibaur, penned: “Virginia Patton, the last surviving adult cast member of the Christmas perennial It’s a Wonderful Life has died. She later became a very successful business person. RIP.”
And Joe said: “Virginia Patton, just 23, was so good in her scene at the train station, and glowingly beautiful.
“Just another perfect piece to one of the greatest movies of all time, It’s A Wonderful Life. Thank you, Virginia. You’re immortal now.”
As well as her role in It’s A Wonderful Life, Virginia also starred in A Double Life, Black Eagle and The Lucky Stiff.
She quit acting in the late 1940s to concentrate on raising a family with her husband.
She went on the attend the University of Michigan and became the president and director of investment and real estate company, Patton Corp.
In her early life, Virginia was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 25 1925. Her family later relocated to Portland, Oregan.
In her teens, she moved to Los Angeles and attended the University of Southern California.
Virginia was the niece of General George S. Patton who commanded the Seventh United States Army in World War Two.
