Ruth Magdalene Polo, née Foerster, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida surrounded by her children in body or spirit. Born on July 11, 1935, in Newark, New Jersey, Ruth lived a life defined by love, brilliance, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family. Throughout her 90 years, she called Newark, Whippany (NJ), Plant City, and Jupiter (FL) home—each place touched by her presence and better for it.
Brilliant, determined, and endlessly capable, Ruth began her career as a bookkeeper at Ariston Inc. and rose steadily through the ranks—first as office manager, then vice president, then president of the company. She later served as CFO of Engraph Inc., where her sharp mind, work ethic, and stalwart leadership earned universal respect. Ruth was a trailblazer long before the word became fashionable.
Yet her professional achievements were only one part of her legacy. At home, she was a force of nature—working full time while caring for her aging aunt who lived with the family, sewing homemade Halloween costumes, and baking for every school sale and holiday. Her devotion and creativity seemed limitless.
Ruth sewed, crocheted, knitted, baked, and cooked like a seasoned professional. She hosted international dinners, legendary family brunches, and cherished "Cousins Club" playdates for her grandchildren. Every plate she served and every stitch she created was an act of love.
In Plant City, she founded a knitting group affectionately named "The Knitwits," and in Jupiter she was a founding member of the "Read Between the Wines" Book Club, each a circle of friendship and laughter that reflected the warmth she brought everywhere she went.
Above all, Ruth was the embodiment of strength and grace. She was sharp, witty, clever, nurturing, and endlessly generous. To her family, she was a role model and anchor—someone who taught through action what resilience, kindness, and loyalty look like.
Ruth was married for 64 years to the love of her life, Anthony A. Polo, who preceded her in death. Together they built a family rooted in profound loyalty, humor, and affection. She is survived by their three children:
- Anthony A. Polo Jr. and his wife, Robin
- Eric F. Polo and his wife, Teresa
- Allissa M. Letts and her husband, Eric
Ruth's greatest joy came from her grandchildren, each of whom she adored and championed: Angela Quiroz and husband Marco, Michelle Polo and fiancé Carlos Lemus, David Letts, Bryar Rahmann, Alexander Letts and fiancée Megan George, Carla Hickey and husband Brendan, Rebecca Letts, and Eric Anthony Polo. Ruth had the joy of celebrating one beloved great grandchild, Austin Hickey.
She is also survived by her brother Alvin Foerster, sister-in-law Mary Foerster, and sister-in-law Anna Carangelo, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
The world has lost an extraordinary woman, but her family feels profoundly blessed to have loved her, learned from her, and been shaped by her.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation the St. Jude Childrens Hospital in Memphis, TN.
A Celebration of Life service is planned for a later date in New Jersey.
Brilliant, determined, and endlessly capable, Ruth began her career as a bookkeeper at Ariston Inc. and rose steadily through the ranks—first as office manager, then vice president, then president of the company. She later served as CFO of Engraph Inc., where her sharp mind, work ethic, and stalwart leadership earned universal respect. Ruth was a trailblazer long before the word became fashionable.
Yet her professional achievements were only one part of her legacy. At home, she was a force of nature—working full time while caring for her aging aunt who lived with the family, sewing homemade Halloween costumes, and baking for every school sale and holiday. Her devotion and creativity seemed limitless.
Ruth sewed, crocheted, knitted, baked, and cooked like a seasoned professional. She hosted international dinners, legendary family brunches, and cherished "Cousins Club" playdates for her grandchildren. Every plate she served and every stitch she created was an act of love.
In Plant City, she founded a knitting group affectionately named "The Knitwits," and in Jupiter she was a founding member of the "Read Between the Wines" Book Club, each a circle of friendship and laughter that reflected the warmth she brought everywhere she went.
Above all, Ruth was the embodiment of strength and grace. She was sharp, witty, clever, nurturing, and endlessly generous. To her family, she was a role model and anchor—someone who taught through action what resilience, kindness, and loyalty look like.
Ruth was married for 64 years to the love of her life, Anthony A. Polo, who preceded her in death. Together they built a family rooted in profound loyalty, humor, and affection. She is survived by their three children:
- Anthony A. Polo Jr. and his wife, Robin
- Eric F. Polo and his wife, Teresa
- Allissa M. Letts and her husband, Eric
Ruth's greatest joy came from her grandchildren, each of whom she adored and championed: Angela Quiroz and husband Marco, Michelle Polo and fiancé Carlos Lemus, David Letts, Bryar Rahmann, Alexander Letts and fiancée Megan George, Carla Hickey and husband Brendan, Rebecca Letts, and Eric Anthony Polo. Ruth had the joy of celebrating one beloved great grandchild, Austin Hickey.
She is also survived by her brother Alvin Foerster, sister-in-law Mary Foerster, and sister-in-law Anna Carangelo, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
The world has lost an extraordinary woman, but her family feels profoundly blessed to have loved her, learned from her, and been shaped by her.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation the St. Jude Childrens Hospital in Memphis, TN.
A Celebration of Life service is planned for a later date in New Jersey.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ruth Magdalene Polo, please visit our flower store.
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