Virginia Patton Moss.Photo: Everett
Virginia Patton Moss, the last surviving adult cast member fromFrank Capra’s 1946 holiday classicIt’s a Wonderful Life, has died aged 97.
The former actress was best known for her role as Ruth Dakin Bailey in the Jimmy Stewart-ledIt’s a Wonderful Life, which also starredDonna Reed,Lionel Barrymoreand Thomas Mitchell.
Karolyn Grimes— who played Zuzu, the daughter of Stewart’s character George Bailey in the movie — honored Patton Moss on Facebook, writing “We have another angel!” alongside images of her starring in the film and one taken more recently.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.
“Virginia Patton Moss. Shewas 97 years old. She played Harry Bailey’s wife in the film, it’s a Wonderful Life! She is now with her beloved Cruse. She will be missed!” added Grimes, 82, in reference to Patton Moss' husband of 69 years, Cruse Moss, who died in 2018.
RELATED GALLERY:Celebrities Who’ve Died in 2022
Patton Moss' acting career spanned seven years, beginning when she was a teenager. She also designed women’s and children’s wear under her label Virginia Patton of Hollywood, according to her obituary.
“With her strong commitment to family, she volunteered in her children’s schools, served as a boy scout and girl scout leader for 10 years, and helped youth activities at church,“the obituary added. “Virginia lived for family and celebrated the achievements of her children and grandchildren.”
Over the years, the former actress also served as president of the real estate investment company the Patton Corporation and worked as a docent at the University of Michigan Museum of Art for more than 25 years, per her obituary, which added that she was also “an accomplished pianist.”
Virginia Patton Moss and Jimmy Stewart inIt’s a Wonderful Life(1946).CBS via Getty
RELATED GALLERY:14 Actors Who Quit Hollywood (and Whether or Not They “Actually” Stuck to Their Decisions)
While Patton Moss was only 21 years old whenIt’s a Wonderful Lifepremiered, it was one of her final films. She retired from Hollywood after she and Moss wed in 1949, having made only four more movies, and relocated to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to raise a family.
Of acting, Patton Mosstold local outlet Patchin 2012, “I couldn’t see me doing that for my life.”
“That isn’t what I wanted. I wanted exactly what I am,” she added. “Ann Arbor, Michigan, a wonderful husband, wonderful children, a good part of the community. I work hard for the community.”
“A memorial service will be held at a later date,” the obituary added.
source: people.com
