<P> Virginia Ann Patton ( born June 25 , 1925 ) is an American retired businesswoman and former actress . After appearing in several films in the early 1940s , she was cast in her most well - known role as Ruth Dakin Bailey in Frank Capra 's It 's a Wonderful Life ( 1946 ) . In 1949 , Patton retired from acting , with her final film credit being The Lucky Stiff ( 1949 ) . </P>
<P> Virginia Ann Patton ( born June 25 , 1925 ) is an American retired businesswoman and former actress . After appearing in several films in the early 1940s , she was cast in her most well - known role as Ruth Dakin Bailey in Frank Capra 's It 's a Wonderful Life ( 1946 ) . In 1949 , Patton retired from acting , with her final film credit being The Lucky Stiff ( 1949 ) . </P>
who played ruth in its a wonderful life
who played ruth in its a wonderful life
Virginia Ann Patton
Virginia Ann Patton