Ruth Eliasson Forsberg

Ruth Eliasson Forsberg, the daughter of Swedish immigrants, was born in Arlington, Massachusetts, on December 13, 1937, and passed away peacefully at her home in Boulder, Colorado, on September 15, 2025.

She grew up in Arlington and graduated Burdett College before beginning her career at Cambridge Savings Bank in Harvard Square. In October 1957, Ruth met her future husband, Carl (Ted) Forsberg, while bowling with the Luther League in Boston. They married in 1959, and soon after moved to Boulder, where they raised their three sons—David, Dana, and Alan—in the home they built together on Crestmoor Drive.

In 1972, Ruth and Carl founded Magnetek in the basement of that house. Within five years, the business had grown into its own building with up to 67 employees. While Carl focused on engineering and production, Ruth served as vice president of finance and personnel, ensuring the company thrived. She was a trailblazer, balancing business leadership and family life at a time when few women held such roles.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ruth was an excellent cook, an avid reader, and a keen Mahjong player. She and Carl loved sailing on Colorado’s lakes, exploring the coast of Maine, and chartering boats or taking cruise ships around the world.

Ruth’s deep faith was a cornerstone of her life. As a lifelong Lutheran, she led with compassion and conviction—singing in the choir, managing church finances, feeding the homeless, and advocating for a welcoming church for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Ruth truly demonstrated what it means to be a loving Christian. She embodied the values of love, faith, and generosity, and was always ready with a hug.

Ruth is survived by her husband of 66 years, Carl; her sister, Nancy Lane; her sons, David, Dana, and Alan; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

She will be remembered for her steadfast faith, her trailblazing spirit, and above all, the love, warmth, and humor she shared with everyone around her.

A celebration of life for Ruth will be held Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Ryssby Church, 9000 N 63rd St, Longmont, CO 80503. Following the celebration of life will be a reception at Westview Church, 6710 Arapahoe Rd, Boulder, CO 80303.