Jane Dobbins Green is primarily remembered as the second wife of Ray Kroc, the businessman who transformed McDonald’s into a global fast-food empire.
While Ray Kroc’s first and third marriages are widely documented in biographies and business histories, his five-year union with Jane Dobbins Green remains a lesser-known chapter in his life story.
This article takes a closer look at her background, personal life, marriage to Kroc, and life after divorce.
Jane Dobbins Green: Quick Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jane Dobbins Green |
| Date of Birth | 22 November 1911 |
| Place of Birth | Walla Walla, Washington, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Death | 7 August 2000 |
| Age at Death | 88 years |
| Known For | Second wife of Ray Kroc |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Burial | Westwood Memorial Park, Los Angeles |
Early Life and Background
Jane Dobbins Green was born on 22 November 1911 in Walla Walla, Washington, to Myrtle Duncan Frechette and Warren David Dobbins. She was raised in the United States and maintained a largely private life before gaining public attention through her marriage to Ray Kroc.
Very limited public documentation exists about her early education or professional ambitions, which is one reason her story remains relatively obscure in mainstream biographies.
Career and Professional Life
Little verified information is available about Jane Dobbins Green’s career. Reports suggest that before marrying Ray Kroc, she worked as a secretary to Hollywood icon John Wayne.
However, beyond this claim, there is no substantial public record detailing her long-term professional pursuits. Unlike Kroc’s later wife, Joan, who became deeply involved in philanthropy, Jane appears to have maintained a more private and low-profile lifestyle.
Marriage to Ray Kroc (1963–1968)
Jane Dobbins Green became Ray Kroc’s second wife in 1963, shortly after his divorce from his first wife, Ethel Fleming, to whom he had been married for 39 years.
At the time of their marriage, Ray Kroc was rapidly expanding McDonald’s across the United States, building the foundation of what would become one of the most recognizable brands in the world.
Key Details of Their Marriage:
- Married: 1963
- Divorced: 1968
- Duration: 5 years
- Children Together: None
Their relationship coincided with a pivotal period in Kroc’s business expansion. However, unlike his other marriages, little has been publicly shared about the dynamics of their union.
By 1968, the couple divorced. The reasons for their separation were never extensively publicized.
Life After Divorce
Following her divorce from Ray Kroc, Jane Dobbins Green stepped away from the public spotlight. She did not maintain a media presence or public association with the McDonald’s brand.
In 1984, she remarried Paul D. Whitney. That marriage lasted until her death in 2000.
Jane passed away on 7 August 2000 in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 88. She was laid to rest at Westwood Memorial Park in Los Angeles.
Ray Kroc’s Later Life and Legacy
Ray Kroc later married Joan Kroc, who became widely known for her philanthropy. Kroc himself passed away on 14 January 1984 in San Diego, California, at age 81.
At the time of his death, his estimated net worth was reportedly around $600 million, reflecting the extraordinary growth of McDonald’s under his leadership.
Why Jane Dobbins Green Remains a Lesser-Known Figure
Jane’s place in history is largely defined by her brief marriage to Ray Kroc. Because:
- She avoided public interviews
- She was not publicly involved in McDonald’s operations
- The marriage occurred between Kroc’s more documented relationships
Her role has often been overshadowed in biographies focused on Kroc’s business achievements.
Nonetheless, her five-year marriage represents a transitional period in the life of one of America’s most influential entrepreneurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jane Dobbins Green?
She was the second wife of Ray Kroc, the businessman behind McDonald’s global expansion.
How long were Jane Dobbins Green and Ray Kroc married?
They were married for five years, from 1963 to 1968.
Did Jane Dobbins Green have children with Ray Kroc?
No, they did not have children together.
How old was Jane Dobbins Green when she died?
She was 88 years old.
Is Ray Kroc still alive?
No. Ray Kroc died on 14 January 1984.
Jane Dobbins Green’s life remains relatively private in comparison to the enormous public legacy of Ray Kroc. Though her marriage to him lasted only five years, it places her within a pivotal era of McDonald’s history.
While she did not actively participate in the company’s growth or maintain a public persona, her connection to Ray Kroc ensures her name remains part of the broader narrative surrounding one of America’s most iconic business empires.
Her story serves as a reminder that not every figure connected to global success seeks the spotlight — some chapters of history remain quiet but meaningful.
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