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Jane Dobbins Green was a private person who became known as the second wife of Ray Kroc, the businessman who built McDonald’s into a global company. Her life story is not well known. Yet, the little we do know is interesting and worth telling.
Quick Bio: Jane Dobbins Green
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jane Dobbins Green |
| Date of Birth | November 22, 1911 |
| Place of Birth | Walla Walla, Washington, USA |
| Date of Death | August 7, 2000 |
| Place of Death | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Age at Death | 88 years old |
| Occupation | Secretary (notably for John Wayne) |
| Marriage to Ray Kroc | 1963–1968 (five years, no children) |
| Second Marriage | Married Paul D. Whitney in 1984 |
| Burial Place | Westwood Memorial Park, Los Angeles |
Early Life and Background
Jane was born on November 22, 1911, in Walla Walla, Washington. Her parents were Warren David Dobbins and Myrtle Duncan Frechette. She grew up in a modest home, away from fame and publicity.
Unlike many celebrity wives, Jane did not live in the spotlight. She worked as a secretary and not just any secretary, but one for the famous Hollywood actor John Wayne. This may have introduced her to well-connected circles.
Meeting Ray Kroc and Marriage
In the early 1960s, she met Ray Kroc. Though exact details of how they met are scarce, it is known that they married in 1963. Ray Kroc had just ended his 39-year marriage with his first wife, Ethel Fleming, in 1961.
Their marriage lasted five years, ending in 1968. The couple did not have any children together. During those years, Ray was building McDonald’s into a food empire, an intense period for both of them.
Life After Divorce
After their divorce in 1968, Jane lived out of the public eye. In 1984, she married Paul D. Whitney, and they remained together until she passed away in 2000.
Jane died of natural causes on August 7, 2000, in Los Angeles, California, at 88 years old. Her final resting place is Westwood Memorial Park, Los Angeles.
Why Is She Not Well Known?
Jane’s life was private. She never sought fame herself. Her marriage to Ray Kroc falls between his much longer first marriage and his third one to Joan Kroc, who became a famous philanthropist. Because of this, many histories of McDonald’s or Ray Kroc skip over Jane’s chapter entirely. She’s often the “forgotten wife”.
Personal Traits & Legacy
Her quiet life after her marriage implies she may have valued privacy and a simple life over public attention. This makes her story interesting, someone who was once part of one of the world’s biggest business stories, yet chose to step away when her chapter ended.
Conclusion
Jane Dobbins Green lived a quiet life in the shadow of one of America’s most famous businessmen. Born in Washington state in 1911, she moved into public notice when she married Ray Kroc in 1963. They spent five years together before separating. Jane preferred peace and privacy, later marrying again and passing away in Los Angeles in 2000. Though often overlooked, her story is a reminder of ordinary lives intersecting with extraordinary history, people who shaped stories from the sidelines with dignity and calm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who was Jane Dobbins Green?
She was the second wife of Ray Kroc, the man behind McDonald’s growth. - When and where was she born?
She was born on November 22, 1911, in Walla Walla, Washington. - What was her job before marrying Ray Kroc?
She worked as a secretary, reportedly for the actor John Wayne. - How long were Jane and Ray Kroc married?
They were married for five years, from 1963 to 1968. - Did Jane and Ray have children?
No, they did not have any children together. - When and where did Jane pass away?
She died on August 7, 2000, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 88. - Did Jane marry again after Ray Kroc?
Yes, she married Paul D. Whitney in 1984 and remained with him until her death. - Why is Jane not as well known as Ray Kroc’s other wives?
Because her marriage was short and she chose a private life, not seeking the limelight. - Where is she buried?
She is buried in Westwood Memorial Park in Los Angeles. - Is there more known about her personal life?
Sadly, no. Most writings about her focus on her marriage to Ray Kroc and little else.
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