Ruth Powers

Ruth Powers was the Simpsons’ next-door neighbor.

Biography
Ruth is divorced and has a daughter, Laura Powers, who no longer lives with her. The circumstances behind Ruth's divorce aren't explained, but she has said her ex-husband acts similar to Homer, and he was continually stiffing Ruth on child support. For revenge, she stole his car.

Ruth and Marge became fast friends after Ruth moved in next door. One evening, they went to a ballet after Homer, who was originally supposed to go with Marge, literally got stuck at work (with his arms in two vending machines). Later they had a girls' night out where they went line dancing at a country bar called Shotkickers, did some target shooting (using a farmer's antique cans as targets), and went up to the Springfield sign overlooking the city. They ended up going on the run from the law, however, after Chief Wiggum tried to pull them over because of a broken taillight, and Ruth decided to flee because they were driving the convertible which she had stolen from her ex-husband. One possibility for she not getting any punishment from stealing the car is that her ex-husband didn't give any money even though the court demanded it.

The auto theft charges against Ruth were dismissed, but she was later imprisoned for a short time for another offense, which is unspecified. While she was in prison, Ruth built up her muscles and became a bodybuilder, earned the title "Miss Mexican Mafia," and took steroids to expand her muscles.

No Longer in Evergreen Terrace
Ruth's house was seen being sold to a disguised Sideshow Bob. Lisa mentions that Ruth moved to Detroit, but Ruth was seen attending the party Bob (as Walt Warren) was hosting, and then she was seen in The Fool Monty, obviously still a Springfield civilian. As a result, it can be said that Ruth sold her house to someone else, who then sold it to Bob after some time, as Lisa didn't exactly mention Ruth when she said Ruth's house's resident was moving to Detroit. Additionally, she wasn't seen greeting Homer and Marge when they visited her house in All's Fair in Oven War, and her house was also referred to as "the neighbor's house" instead of "Ruth's house."

Second Child?
If one were to look closely, Ruth is one of the parents present in the Springfield Elementary School meeting hosted by Principal Skinner and Ms. Krabappel in "The PTA Disbands". This raises the question as to if she might have a second child who goes to Springfield Elementary that might be in the custody of her ex-husband or didn't get any screentime in New Kid on the Block.

Appearances
Note: Many of her appearances are often brief, background cameos. Episodes in which she has an actual role are in bold.