When you think of McDonald’s, you probably think of quick burgers, crispy fries, and the golden arches. But behind this global fast-food brand is a story many people don’t know. One part of that story is about Jane Dobbins Green, the woman who was once married to Ray Kroc — the man who turned McDonald’s into a worldwide success.
Jane was not a celebrity. She didn’t own a business. She didn’t speak to the media. But her life became part of history when she married Ray Kroc. Their marriage didn’t last long, and after the divorce, Jane disappeared from public view. So, who was she? And what really happened to Jane Dobbins Green, Ray Kroc’s ex-wife?
In this article, we’ll explore her early life, her time with Ray, why they divorced, and what happened to her afterward. Let’s begin with who she really was.
Jane Dobbins Green Quick Bio
| Full Name | Jane Dobbins Green |
| Also Known As | Jane Whitney |
| Date of Birth | 22 November 1911 |
| Place of Birth | Walla Walla, Washington, USA |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Hair Color | Blonde (later grey) |
| Eye Color | Blue (later grey) |
| Height | 5′6″ (168 cm) |
| Weight | 121 lbs (55 kg) |
| First Husband | Ray Kroc (m. 1963–1968) |
| Second Husband | Paul D. Whitney (m. 1984) |
| Children | None |
| Date of Death | 7 August 2000 |
| Age at Death | 88 years old |
| Place of Death | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Burial Place | Westwood Memorial Park, Los Angeles |
| Known For | Ray Kroc’s ex-wife |
| Job Before Fame | Secretary for actor John Wayne |
| Net Worth (at death) | Around $100,000 |
| Life After Divorce | Very private and quiet |
Who Was Jane Dobbins Green?
Jane Dobbins Green was an American woman who became known because she married Ray Kroc. That’s how most people know her name. But behind that simple fact is a woman who lived a very private life.
Jane never looked for attention. She didn’t speak in interviews or write a book about her life. Even though she was married to one of the most famous businesspeople in history, she chose to stay quiet. That alone makes her story different and interesting.
She lived during a time when women were expected to follow the man’s path. And that’s what she did for a short while — until she chose her own way.
Jane Dobbins Green’s Early Life and Family
Jane Dobbins Green was born on 22 November 1911 in Walla Walla, Washington, USA. She came from a regular American family. Her father was Warren David Dobbins, and her mother was Grace Myrtle Duncan Frechette.
Jane had a sister named Eula Grace Dobbins, but sadly, Eula died as a baby. Jane was still very young when this happened. As she grew up, she faced more loss. Her father died in 1946, and her mother passed away in 1949 after a brain bleed. So by age 38, Jane had lost both her parents.
These early life events likely made Jane strong but also quiet and private. She didn’t grow up with fame or money. She simply lived her life out of the spotlight.
How Jane Met Ray Kroc
Before Ray Kroc became the “king” of McDonald’s, he had tried many jobs. He sold paper cups, played music, and worked hard to make a living. Jane met Ray in 1957 at the Criterion Restaurant in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Some reports say Jane was playing the organ at the restaurant. Ray, who was still married to his first wife, Ethel Fleming, was going through a rough time in his marriage. That’s when he and Jane began to connect.
Their friendship grew slowly. And after Ray’s divorce in 1961, he became serious about Jane. Two years later, they got married.
Jane Dobbins Green and Ray Kroc’s Marriage
Jane married Ray Kroc on February 23, 1963. At this time, Ray was already working hard to grow McDonald’s. He had just bought the company from the McDonald brothers and was expanding it all across the country.
Imagine being married to someone who is building a business empire. That must have been exciting — but also stressful. Jane was a private person, while Ray was always in meetings, interviews, and business trips. Their lives were very different.
Still, Jane stood by his side. For five years, she was part of his journey. But things didn’t stay happy forever.
Why Jane Dobbins Green and Ray Kroc Divorced
By 1968, Jane and Ray’s marriage ended in divorce. The main reason? Reports say Ray had fallen in love with another woman — Joan Smith, who later became Joan Kroc, his third wife.
There were also personality differences. Jane didn’t like being in the spotlight. Ray, on the other hand, loved public life and being the face of McDonald’s. That kind of pressure can pull two people apart.
They had no children together. And after their divorce, Jane quietly walked away from the fast food empire — and never looked back.
Life After Being Ray Kroc’s Ex-Wife
After the divorce, Jane didn’t chase fame. She didn’t appear in magazines. She didn’t write a tell-all book. She simply disappeared from the spotlight. That choice made her story even more mysterious.
In 1984, Jane married again. Her second husband was a businessman named Paul D. Whitney. Together, they lived a calm life away from the media. They didn’t have children, but they seemed to live peacefully and privately.
She never used Ray Kroc’s name to become famous. She never tried to gain anything from his success. That tells us a lot about who she really was.
What Happened to Jane Dobbins Green in Her Final Years?
After her second marriage in 1984, Jane Dobbins Green lived a very peaceful life. She didn’t appear in newspapers or on TV. Most people forgot about her, but she didn’t seem to mind. She was happy staying quiet and out of the spotlight.
She and her husband, Paul D. Whitney, lived in Los Angeles, California. They didn’t have any children, but they seemed to enjoy a calm and simple life together. Jane never went back to the world of fame. She chose peace, and she kept that choice until the very end.
Jane Dobbins Green’s Net Worth and Lifestyle
Many people wonder — was Jane Dobbins Green rich? The truth is, she didn’t walk away with a big fortune after divorcing Ray Kroc. She lived a modest life. Some reports say she had around $100,000 at the time of her death, but this is not confirmed.
Ray Kroc, on the other hand, was one of the richest businessmen in America. When he died in 1984, he was worth about $600 million. That would be around $1.4 billion today. But Jane didn’t get any of that money. She didn’t ask for it, and she didn’t fight for it. She simply moved on with her life.
What Did Jane Dobbins Green Look Like?
Jane Dobbins Green was known for her quiet beauty. In her younger years, she had blonde hair and blue eyes. People described her as graceful and elegant. She didn’t wear flashy clothes or try to stand out. She had a soft, calm presence.
She was about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighed around 121 pounds (or 55 kilograms). As she got older, her hair turned grey, but her quiet style stayed the same. There are very few public photos of her, which shows how much she valued her privacy.
Where Is Jane Dobbins Green Buried?
Jane Dobbins Green passed away on 7 August 2000 in Los Angeles. She was 88 years old. Her cause of death was natural, as she had lived a full, long life.
She was laid to rest at Westwood Memorial Park in Los Angeles — a quiet and well-known cemetery where many famous people are buried. Later, her second husband Paul D. Whitney was also buried there beside her in 2008. Their resting place is simple, just like the life they lived.
Facts You Didn’t Know About Ray Kroc’s Ex-Wife
Here are a few things that might surprise you about Jane Dobbins Green, Ray Kroc’s ex-wife:
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She once worked as a secretary for movie legend John Wayne.
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She met Ray Kroc while playing the organ at a restaurant in 1957.
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Even after marrying Ray, she never spoke to the media.
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She never had children, from either of her marriages.
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She never tried to get fame or money from Ray’s success.
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She changed her last name to Whitney after marrying her second husband.
These facts show that Jane was not like most people connected to famous names. She stayed private, honest, and peaceful her whole life.
Final Thoughts
Jane Dobbins Green’s story is not about power, money, or fame. It’s about privacy, grace, and quiet strength. She was married to one of the most successful businessmen in history, but she never used that connection to become famous.
Instead, she chose a different life — one of peace and calm. In a world that often celebrates loud voices, Jane’s soft silence stands out. She reminds us that not every important person is in the spotlight.
So, what happened to Jane Dobbins Green, Ray Kroc’s ex-wife? She lived her own way. She stepped out of history’s spotlight and built a life of quiet dignity. And even though the world didn’t see much of her, her story still matters.
(FAQs)
Was Jane Dobbins Green in any movies?
No, she was never in movies. She didn’t work in acting or Hollywood.
Was Jane Dobbins Green rich?
No, not really. When she died, she only had about $100,000, even though her ex-husband Ray Kroc was super rich.
Who was Jane Dobbins Green’s husband?
She was first married to Ray Kroc, the man behind McDonald’s. Later, she married Paul D. Whitney.
How old was Jane Dobbins Green?
She was born on November 22, 1911, and died on August 7, 2000. She was 88 years old.
Where did Jane Dobbins Green live before she died?
She lived a quiet and simple life in Los Angeles, California, away from the public.
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