Ruth Handler By pstew01@sac.sa.edu.au 1916 Born on November 4 in Denver, Colorado, USA. 1936 Marries Elliot Handler; two later become business partners 1945 Co-founds Mattel with her husband & Harold “Matt” Matson 1956 Gets the idea to make a 3D doll for little girls. 1959 Introduces Barbie doll at the American International Toy Fair Period: 1960 to 1970 Helps expand Mattel into a major global toy company Period: 1960 to 1970 Helps expand Mattel into a major global toy company 1970 Diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoes a mastectomy. 1975 Retires from Mattel 2002 Passes away on April 27 in Los Angeles, California.