Jane Dobbins Green was the second wife of Ray Kroc, the man who turned McDonald’s into a global fast-food success. Although their marriage lasted only a few years, Jane’s life holds many interesting stories.
In this article, we’ll look at Jane’s life, from her childhood and family to her marriages and the legacy she left behind.
When Was Jane Dobbins Green Born?
Jane Dobbins Green was born on November 22, 1911, in Walla Walla, Washington. Her parents were Warren David Dobbins and Grace Myrtle Duncan Frechette. Her father came from Oregon, and her mother was from Illinois. The couple married in 1903 but later divorced when Jane was still a child. Because of this, Jane didn’t spend much time with her father during her younger years.
Jane had an older sister, Eula Grace Dobbins, who was born in 1905. Sadly, Eula passed away when she was only five months old. This loss must have had a big impact on the family. After her parents divorced, Jane’s mother married a man named Theodore Frechette in 1922. Jane was just 11 years old at the time and likely grew up with her mother and stepfather, while still visiting her father.
Her father, Warren, remained single for the rest of his life. He passed away at the age of 75 in 1946. Jane’s mother, Grace, lived until 1949 but passed away at the age of 65 due to a stroke. These family events shaped much of Jane’s early life.
Jane Dobbins Green and Ray Kroc’s Marriage
Jane Dobbins Green married Ray Kroc on February 23, 1963. At that time, Ray was already building McDonald’s into a world-famous brand. Their marriage began during the peak of Ray’s career, and the couple seemed to enjoy a good start together.
However, their relationship faced problems. Ray had previously been involved with a woman named Joan Smith while still married to his first wife, Ethel Fleming. Although he divorced Ethel to marry Jane, Ray’s feelings for Joan didn’t go away. He met Joan again at a McDonald’s event, and their connection grew stronger. Just six months later, Ray filed for divorce from Jane in 1968 and married Joan in 1969.
Her Life After Divorce
After her marriage to Ray Kroc ended, Jane chose to live a private life. She avoided the public eye and rarely spoke about her time with Ray. This decision allowed her to focus on her own happiness away from the attention that came with being Ray Kroc’s wife.
In 1984, 17 years after her divorce, Jane married Paul D. Whitney. Paul became her partner for the rest of her life. The couple had a happy marriage and stayed together until Jane’s death.
Family Challenges and Losses
Jane’s family life was not easy. Her older sister, Eula, passed away as a baby, leaving Jane as an only child. Her parents’ divorce when she was young also affected her childhood. Despite this, Jane maintained connections with both her mother and father.
Her father, Warren, lived a quiet life until his death in 1946. Her mother, Grace, remarried and continued to support Jane until her passing in 1949. Jane’s stepfather, Theodore Frechette, was likely an important figure in her life during her teenage years.
Something About Ray Kroc
Ray Kroc is remembered as the man who turned McDonald’s into the most successful fast-food chain in the world. By the time he passed away in 1984, McDonald’s had grown to 7,500 locations in the U.S. and 31 in other countries. The company’s sales had reached $8 billion in 1983, a huge achievement for the time.
At the time of his death, Ray was worth $600 million, which would be about $1.4 billion today when adjusted for inflation. While Ray was very successful in business, his personal life was more complicated, with multiple marriages and relationships.
Jane Dobbins Green’s Later Years and Death
Jane spent her later years with her second husband, Paul D. Whitney. Their marriage brought her peace and companionship. The couple stayed together until Jane passed away on August 7, 2000, at the age of 88. She died of natural causes in Los Angeles, California. Jane was buried at Westwood Memorial Park, where she shares a grave with Paul, who passed away in 2008 at the age of 80.
What Was Jane Dobbins Green’s Net Worth?
Jane’s financial status is not publicly known. However, her first husband, Ray Kroc, left behind a large fortune. By the time of his death, Ray had built McDonald’s into a billion-dollar company, making him one of the wealthiest businessmen of his time.
Final Thoughts
Jane Dobbins Green lived a life of quiet strength. From her childhood in Washington to her marriage to Ray Kroc and her later years with Paul Whitney, Jane chose to stay private and away from the public eye. Her connection to Ray Kroc made her part of an important story, but her personal journey deserves its own recognition. Jane’s life shows the strength of someone who chose peace and privacy over fame.
(FAQs)
Who was Jane Dobbins Green married to before Ray Kroc?
Jane married Paul D. Whitney after her divorce from Ray Kroc and stayed with him until her passing.
Why did Ray Kroc divorce Jane Dobbins Green?
Ray Kroc divorced Jane after rekindling his relationship with Joan Smith, whom he later married.
Did Jane Dobbins Green have children with Ray Kroc?
No, Jane and Ray did not have any children together during their five-year marriage.
Where is Jane Dobbins Green buried?
Jane is buried alongside her second husband, Paul D. Whitney, at Westwood Memorial Park in Los Angeles.
How much was Ray Kroc worth when Jane divorced him?
At the time of their divorce, Ray Kroc’s wealth was already growing rapidly, and by his death, his fortune was $600 million (around $1.4 billion today).