Ethel Fleming is famous as the former spouse of Ray Kroc, the late tycoon behind the McDonald’s empire. She shared a 39-year journey with Ray until their divorce in 1961.
The reason behind their split remains a topic of curiosity. This article will explore Ethel’s early life, her marriage to Ray Kroc, her career, her net worth, and more.
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Quick Bio
| Full Name | Ethel Janet Fleming |
| Famous as | Ray Kroc’s Ex-Wife |
| Profession | Homemaker/ Celebrity Ex-wife |
| Date of Birth | December 2, 1901 |
| Place of Birth | Melrose Park, Cook County, Illinois, United States |
| Date of Death | December 2, 1965 |
| Place of Death | Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, USA |
| Age at the time of Death | 64 |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Ray Kroc |
| Father | Alexander Frew Fleming Sr. |
| Mother | Janet Blair Fleming |
| Siblings | Douglas Peter Fleming, Malcolm Blair Fleming, Andrew Edward Fleming, and Mae Belle Fleming Nerger |
| Gender | Female |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Net Worth | Approx. $10 million |
Ethel Fleming’s Early Life
Ethel Fleming was born on December 2, 1901, in Melrose Park, Illinois. She was the daughter of Janet Blair Fleming and Alexander Frew Fleming Sr.
Raised alongside four siblings, she maintained a private life, keeping details about her early upbringing and education inaccessible.
Despite the lack of information on her formative years, Ethel’s story is a fascinating journey.
Ethel Fleming’s Parents
Ethel Fleming’s parents, Janet and Alexander, originally belonged to Scotland, with Alexander from New Monkland in North Lanarkshire, and Janet born in Glasgow.
The couple tied the knot in Scotland before migrating to the United States, where they settled in Illinois after the birth of their sons Douglas and Malcolm.
Ethel’s family roots in Scotland and her parents’ journey to America add depth to her background, providing context to her upbringing and life path.
Ethel Fleming’s Siblings
Ethel Fleming was one of five siblings. Her elder brother, Douglas Peter Fleming, born in Scotland in 1883, passed away at 68 in Chicago.
Similarly, her two other older brothers, Malcolm Blair Fleming, also lived to 68, and Andrew Edward Fleming lived well into his early 90s.
Ethel had a younger sister, Mae Belle Fleming Nerger, born in 1905. Mae Belle married Fayett Robinson Nerger at 23 and had two sons before her death at 73 in Florida in 1978.
Ethel’s family reveals the extent of her familial connections and their varied life paths.
Ethel Fleming’s Ex-Husband: Ray Kroc
Raymond Albert Kroc, born on October 5, 1902, left an unforgettable mark on the business world as the mastermind behind McDonald’s, the iconic fast-food chain.
In 1961, Kroc gained the company from the McDonald brothers, driving it to remarkable success under his leadership as CEO from 1967 to 1973.
His innovative approach changed the entire fast-food industry, pushing McDonald’s to the forefront as the world’s leading fast-food corporation in revenue.
Kroc’s visionary leadership continues to shape global business practices, marking his legacy as a pioneer and titan of industry.
Ethel Fleming And Ray Kroc’s Relationship
In 1922, Ethel married Ray Kroc when they were both in their twenties after nearly three years of dating.
Their love story began near Paw Paw Lake in Michigan, where Ray worked as a piano player and Ethel resided due to her parents’ hotel business.
Initially friends, they soon fell deeply in love. However, after nearly four decades of marriage, they made the difficult decision to part ways and pursue separate paths in life.
Reasons Behind Ethel Fleming’s Divorce
In the divorce documents, Ethel mentioned irreconcilable differences as the reason behind their separation.
However, reports suggested that Ray’s extramarital affair with a woman named Joan Smith, who later became his third wife, played a significant role in their decision to divorce.
Ethel Fleming’s Daughter: Marilyn Janet Lynn Kroc
From her marriage to Ray Kroc, Ethel welcomed a daughter named Marilyn Janet Lynn Kroc, born on October 15, 1924.
Marilyn later pursued a passion for equestrianism as she grew older. In her personal life, Marilyn married twice.
Initially, she wed Sylvester Nordly Nelson, and later she married Walter James Barg, with whom she remained until her passing in 1973.
Tragically, Marilyn passed away due to complications from diabetes at the young age of 48, marking a sorrowful chapter in the Kroc family’s history.
Was Ethel Fleming An Actress?
Ray Kroc’s ex-wife, Ethel Fleming, was not involved in acting and was indeed a homemaker. Despite confusion created by media outlets associating her with acting.
The American actress Ethel Fleming was not the ex-wife of Ray Kroc. While the actress pursued a career in film and television, Kroc’s former spouse remained focused on her role as a homemaker and life partner.
Ethel Fleming’s Net Worth
Ethel Fleming reportedly received millions of dollars in a divorce settlement from Ray Kroc. Some sources even suggest that her net worth at the time of her death was around $10 million.
Given her former ex-spouse’s successful career and financial status, it’s likely that Ethel received a significant sum in the divorce settlement, contributing to her eventual wealth.
However, the exact details of the settlement and her net worth remain speculative.
Ethel Fleming’s Death
Ethel passed away on her 64th birthday on December 2, 1965, in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, USA. Maintaining privacy throughout her life, the exact cause of her death remained unknown.
Presumably, she died of natural causes, leaving behind a legacy that continues to intrigue and fascinate.
