Handler married Elliot Handler, with whom she had two children, Barbara and Ken.

Handler died at the age of 85 due to complications from colon cancer surgery.

Handler's legacy includes her pioneering work in the toy industry, her advocacy for breast cancer awareness, and her iconic creation, the Barbie doll.

Ruth Handler was born in Denver, Colorado, as Ruth Marianna Mosko, the youngest of 10 children to Polish immigrants.

Handler's father was a blacksmith who deserted the Russian army, and her mother was illiterate upon arrival in the United States. Due to her mother's frail health, Handler was raised by an older sister.

At 19, Handler left Denver for a vacation in Hollywood and ended up staying. Her high school sweetheart, Elliot Handler, followed her and they married in 1938.

Handler was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a modified radical mastectomy.

Handler, frustrated with the limited and unappealing breast prosthetic options, developed a line of realistic artificial breasts called Nearly Me with Peyton Massey.

Handler became an outspoken advocate for early detection of breast cancer and promoted Nearly Me as a way for women to feel confident and proud after mastectomy.