The character you're likely thinking of is , played by actress Lane Bradbury . She appeared in several episodes of Gunsmoke in the late 1960s, most notably in the episode titled " Hill Girl " (Season 13, Episode 18).
In this specific episode, Merry Florene is at the center of a conflict between her family and the law in Dodge City. Mary Florine Gunsmoke
She was often portrayed as a "diamond in the rough"—uneducated and loud, but deeply loyal and surprisingly sharp. The character you're likely thinking of is ,
On IMDb , the episode is well-regarded for its mix of drama and humor. Viewers frequently praise Lane Bradbury’s high-energy performance, noting that she managed to make a potentially grating character very sympathetic. Community Perspectives Episode 18). In this specific episode