The name Ethel Fleming appears often in historical searches connected to early Hollywood as well as the personal life of businessman Ray Kroc, the man who turned McDonald’s into one of the most powerful fast-food empires in the world. However, the name “Ethel Fleming” actually refers to two different women, which has caused widespread confusion online.
One was Ethel Fleming (1890–1965), an American actress who gained attention during the silent-film era.
The other—and the primary subject people search for—is Ethel Janet Fleming Kroc (1901–1965), the first wife of Ray Kroc.
This article focuses on Ethel Janet Fleming Kroc, her biography, age, family background, relationship with Ray Kroc, children, net worth, and cause of death, while also clarifying the difference between her and the early Hollywood actress.
Who Is Ethel Fleming? Understanding the Two Identities
Before diving into the life of Ray Kroc’s first wife, it’s important to clarify the identity confusion:
1. Ethel Fleming (American Actress)
- Born December 27, 1890, in Ohio
- Silent-film actress and swimmer
- Married actor William Courtleigh Jr.
- Died December 26, 1965
She lived a completely separate life unrelated to McDonald’s or Ray Kroc.
2. Ethel Janet Fleming Kroc (Ray Kroc’s First Wife)
This is the Ethel Fleming most people mean when searching for:
- “Ethel Fleming Kroc”
- “Ethel Fleming Ray Kroc”
- “Ethel Fleming cause of death”
- “Ethel Fleming family”
Born in 1901 in Illinois, she married Ray Kroc in 1922, long before he became a global business icon. Their marriage lasted nearly four decades, making her a significant—though often overshadowed—figure in his personal history.
This article now focuses entirely on Ethel Janet Fleming Kroc.
Early Life of Ethel Janet Fleming: Family, Father, Brothers & Sisters
Ethel Janet Fleming was born on December 2, 1901, in Melrose Park, Cook County, Illinois, into a working-class Midwestern family. Like many families of the early 20th century, hers lived a modest life as America moved through industrial expansion, World War I recovery, and cultural changes.
Ethel Fleming Father & Family Background
Her father’s identity is not widely recorded in public archives, which is common for private citizens during this era. However, genealogical records show that the Fleming family was of European descent and settled in the Chicago region during the early 1900s. The family was known locally for being dedicated, hardworking, and supportive of one another.
Ethel Fleming Brothers and Sisters
One confirmed sibling is:
- Douglas Peter Fleming (1883–1951) – her older brother.
It is possible she had additional siblings, but Douglas is the only one verified through cemetery and census records.
The Fleming household appears to have been traditional and close-knit, giving Ethel a stable upbringing. Nothing in the historical record suggests she sought fame or a public life; instead, she was rooted in family and routine—until she met a young man named Ray Kroc, who would later become globally known as the mastermind behind McDonald’s.
Ethel Fleming and Ray Kroc: How They Met & Married
The Beginning of a Long Relationship
In 1919, Ethel Fleming met Ray Kroc, who at the time was not a business tycoon but a young man hustling through a series of jobs—selling paper cups, playing piano, and working as a jazz musician. Even then, Ray Kroc had charisma and ambition, traits that attracted Ethel early on.
Their connection grew quickly, and on January 23, 1922, they married in Illinois. Ethel was just 21 years old, and Ray was around 20. This early marriage became the foundation of Ray Kroc’s personal life for almost four decades.
Ethel Fleming Married to Ray Kroc: Life Before McDonald’s
Ethel and Ray lived what could be described as a “classic American middle-class marriage” during the early years. Ray worked tirelessly in sales, often away from home for long periods, while Ethel maintained the household and raised their daughter.
At this time, Ray had not yet discovered the McDonald brothers, nor had he built the global fast-food empire for which he is remembered today. Ethel was with him during the years of financial struggle, uncertainty, and constant career changes.
Their Daughter: Ethel Fleming Kids
Ethel and Ray Kroc had one child:
- Marilyn Kroc
Born 1924, she grew up during the couple’s early marriage and before Ray Kroc became famous.
Ethel was deeply devoted to her daughter and her family. She lived a quiet life, deliberately avoiding the spotlight.
Challenges in the Marriage: Ray Kroc’s Ambition & Distance
As Ray Kroc’s ambitions grew, so did the pressure on their marriage. Ray often traveled, became obsessed with work, and eventually entered the restaurant franchise world. By the 1950s, he discovered the McDonald brothers’ restaurant in California and began transforming it into the future giant we know today.
The more consumed Ray became with McDonald’s, the more distant he grew at home. Ethel, on the other hand, valued stability, family, and routine. Their personalities—once compatible—began to drift apart.
Emotional Distance and Lifestyle Differences
Ray became increasingly focused on expansion, innovation, and securing financial success. Ethel preferred a quiet domestic life. Reports from biographers suggest Ethel never enjoyed the intense business environment or the showmanship that Ray embraced.
This emotional and lifestyle divide deepened over the years.
Ethel Fleming and Ray Kroc Divorce
After 39 years of marriage, Ethel and Ray Kroc divorced in 1961. Their long marriage came to an end just as Ray’s business empire was taking off. Many sources indicate that the split also had personal causes, including Ray’s long-term affection for another woman who would later become his third wife, Joan Kroc.
Divorce Settlement & Alimony
Ethel received:
- A lifetime alimony package reportedly valuing around $30,000 per year
(Adjusted for inflation, this would be several hundred thousand dollars annually today.)
This became an important part of her financial stability after separating from Ray.
Ethel Fleming Age & Life After Divorce
How Old Was Ethel Fleming?
- Born: December 2, 1901
- Died: 1965
- Age at death: 64 years
After the divorce, Ethel remained mostly out of public view. She never remarried and lived a quiet, private life—far from the media attention that followed Ray Kroc as McDonald’s grew.
Ethel Fleming Net Worth
Because Ethel Fleming never worked in the public eye and maintained a private lifestyle, her exact net worth is not documented.
However, based on:
- Her divorce settlement
- Her alimony income
- Property holdings at the time
…it is reasonable to conclude she lived comfortably but never amassed wealth comparable to Ray Kroc’s massive fortune.
Ray Kroc eventually became a billionaire; Ethel, meanwhile, lived modestly and privately.
Ethel Fleming Kroc Cause of Death
What Was Ethel Fleming’s Cause of Death?
Historical records confirm that Ethel Janet Fleming Kroc died in 1965, but the specific cause of death is not publicly documented. No medical reports, news articles, or family statements ever revealed the details.
Most biographical sources simply list:
- Date of death: 1965
- Age: 64
- Cause: Not recorded / unknown
She passed away quietly, and because she lived a private life after her divorce, her death received little media attention.
Ethel Fleming’s Legacy
Even though Ethel Fleming lived outside the spotlight, her influence on Ray Kroc’s early life cannot be ignored. She supported him through hardship, encouraged his early ventures, and helped maintain stability during the unpredictable years before McDonald’s took off.
Her life represents the untold story of a woman who:
- Lived through immense changes in American society
- Experienced both love and heartbreak
- Raised a daughter who became the center of her world
- Supported one of the most driven entrepreneurs of the 20th century
- Yet remained humble, private, and rarely spoken about in business history
In many ways, Ethel’s story is the story of countless women of her time—strong, supportive, and foundational to the success of men who would later rise to global fame.
Final Thoughts
Ethel Fleming’s life may not appear in history books, but she played a crucial role in shaping Ray Kroc’s personal world long before he transformed McDonald’s into a global empire. Her story deserves recognition—not only because she was Ray Kroc’s first wife, but because she lived an authentic, quiet, and meaningful life that supported her family and daughter.
Her biography offers insight into early-20th-century America, marriage, ambition, personal sacrifice, and the resilience of women whose stories often remain untold.
This article is published for readers of moviesmod, committed to uncovering detailed and meaningful stories behind history’s lesser-known figures.