Jane Dobbins Green was born on November 22, 1911, in Walla Walla, Washington. She became known as the second wife of Ray Kroc, the businessman who turned McDonald’s into a global empire. Her life, however, remained mostly private, and little is known about her personal pursuits.
After her marriage to Ray Kroc ended in 1968, she chose to live away from the public eye. Despite the fame of her ex-husband, Jane lived a quiet life, marked by dignity and a preference for privacy, passing away on August 7, 2000.
Profile Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Jane Dobbins Green |
| Famous As | Ray Kroc’s Ex-Wife |
| Occupation | Celebrity Ex-Wife |
| Date of Birth | November 22, 1911 |
| Place of Birth | Walla Walla, Washington, USA |
| Date of Death | August 7, 2000 |
| Place of Burial | Westwood Memorial Park, Los Angeles, CA |
| Age at Death | 88 |
| Ex-Husband | Ray Kroc |
| Second Husband | Paul D. Whitney |
| Parents | Warren David Dobbins (Father) |
| Grace Myrtle Duncan Frechette (Mother) | |
| Siblings | Eula Grace Dobbins (Deceased) |
Early Life and Background
Born in Walla Walla, Washington, on November 22, 1911, Jane Dobbins Green had a challenging early life. Her parents, Warren and Grace, divorced when she was very young, which significantly impacted Jane’s childhood.
Raised by her mother and later her stepfather, Jane experienced the complexities of a blended family. These early experiences shaped her personality and outlook on relationships and family life.
Age and Physical Attribute
Jane Dobbins Green lived a dignified life, marked by elegance and privacy. Throughout her years, she maintained a refined and graceful appearance, with blonde hair and blue eyes.
She passed away at the age of 88, on August 7, 2000, in Los Angeles, California. Her physical attributes, paired with her composed nature, made her a figure of quiet strength. Even after her public marriage to Ray Kroc ended.
Jane Dobbins Green’s Parents
Jane’s father, Warren David Dobbins, was from Oregon, but little is known about his personal or professional life. Her mother, Grace Myrtle Duncan Frechette, hailed from Illinois. After her divorce from Warren, Grace remarried in 1922 to Theodore Frechette.
This second marriage provided Jane with a more stable home life, even as she navigated the emotional complexities of growing up in a blended family.
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The Tragic Early Loss of Jane Dobbins Green’s Sister
Jane’s early life was also marked by tragedy. She had an older sister, Eula Grace Dobbins, who tragically passed away at the tender age of five months. This early loss, though difficult to comprehend in full, deeply affected the family.
Eula’s passing cast a shadow over Jane’s childhood, adding an emotional layer that shaped her experiences of loss and grief. The death of her sister also influenced the family dynamics, contributing to the emotional landscape of Jane’s early life.
The Passing of Jane Dobbins Green’s Parents
As Jane navigated her adult years, she faced the loss of both her parents. Her father, Warren, passed away on July 25, 1946, while her mother, Grace, died a few years later on June 14, 1949, from a cerebral hemorrhage.
The death of her parents left Jane without the guiding figures she had known during her earlier life. These losses, compounded by the emotional challenges of her youth, would have shaped Jane’s worldview as she entered her later years.
Marriage to Ray Kroc
In 1963, Jane married Ray Kroc, a rising businessman who had just turned McDonald’s into a nationwide sensation. Their marriage coincided with a critical period in Kroc’s life and the meteoric rise of McDonald’s.
The marriage, however, was not without its difficulties. Jane’s life during these years was marked by public attention and personal challenges.
Who Is Ray Kroc?
Ray Kroc was the businessman behind McDonald’s success, transforming the company from a small restaurant into a global fast-food empire.
Born on October 5, 1902, Ray Kroc’s vision of standardizing operations and maximizing efficiency helped McDonald’s become one of the most recognizable brands in the world.
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Why Jane Dobbins Green and Ray Kroc Divorced
The primary reason for the divorce between Jane Dobbins Green and Ray Kroc was Kroc’s extramarital affair with Joan Smith. Ray met Joan at a McDonald’s convention, and their relationship put significant strain on his marriage to Jane.
The emotional turmoil caused by Kroc’s infidelity, combined with his unrelenting focus on expanding McDonald’s, ultimately led to the dissolution of their marriage in 1968.
The Death of Ray Kroc
Ray Kroc passed away on January 14, 1984, at the age of 81. His death marked the end of an era for McDonald’s and the fast-food industry. Ray’s passing was attributed to heart failure, and his health had been in decline for several years.
Jane Dobbins Green’s Later Years with Paul D. Whitney
After her divorce from Ray Kroc, Jane found love again in 1984, marrying Paul D. Whitney. The couple spent the later years of their lives together in relative peace, away from the media spotlight.
Their marriage provided Jane with stability and companionship, helping her lead a more private life in her later years. The couple remained together until Jane’s passing in 2000, and Paul passed away in 2008.
Net Worth and Financial Insights
Although Jane Dobbins Green’s exact net worth remains unclear, her financial situation was likely influenced by her marriage to Ray Kroc. Ray’s wealth was considerable, with his estate valued at around $600 million at the time of his death in 1984.
Jane likely received a settlement following their divorce, though her financial life post-divorce remained private.
Death and Legacy
Jane Dobbins Green passed away on August 7, 2000, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 88. Her legacy is somewhat understated, as she did not seek public recognition or fame.
However, her story is significant in understanding the personal lives of individuals connected to major business figures, especially in the 20th century.
Cultural Impact
Jane Dobbins Green’s life is a reflection of the societal norms and cultural shifts of the 20th century. As the wife of a prominent businessman, she faced the challenges of balancing personal identity with public attention.
Despite the ups and downs of her marriage, Jane’s ability to navigate her personal life with grace and dignity left an indelible mark on those who knew her.
Her story is a reminder of the resilience and quiet strength many women of her generation demonstrated, managing both public challenges and private hardships with dignity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jane Dobbins Green?
Jane Dobbins Green was the second wife of Ray Kroc, the businessman responsible for expanding McDonald’s into a global empire.
When and where was Jane Dobbins Green born?
She was born on November 22, 1911, in Walla Walla, Washington.
What was Jane Dobbins Green known for besides being Ray Kroc’s wife?
Outside of her marriage to Ray Kroc, Jane led a private life and remained largely out of the public eye.
How long were Jane Dobbins Green and Ray Kroc married?
They were married from 1963 to 1968, lasting five years.
Why did Jane Dobbins Green and Ray Kroc divorce?
Their marriage ended due to Ray Kroc’s extramarital affair with Joan Smith, which strained their relationship.
Conclusion
The life of Jane Dobbins Green offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of women married to powerful businessmen during the 20th century. While much of her life was lived out of the public eye, her marriage to Ray Kroc and subsequent years with Paul D.
Whitney reveal the complexities and challenges faced by women in this unique position. Her legacy, though understated, is a testament to the strength and resilience of women who quietly support their families, navigate personal hardship, and leave lasting impacts on those around them.
Brook is a tech and gaming expert with 5 years of blogging experience. He loves sharing tips and reviews about new gadgets and games to help readers stay updated.