Ruth Powers

Ruth Powers is the Simpsons’ next-door neighbor, introduced when she moves to their neighborhood in the episode “New Kid on the Block.” She is divorced and has a daughter, Laura Powers, who no longer lives with her. She is usually seen as a background character, sometimes in events that occurred even before she moved next door (such as the baby shower for Maggie in "And Maggie Makes Three"). She even continues to be a background character despite her later imprisonment. She nearly always wears a red headscarf. In the episode "The Cartridge Family" she was part of the NRA.

The episode "Marge on the Lam" features Ruth and Marge going on the run from the law in a stolen convertible, a parody of Thelma & Louise. Ruth makes a special appearance in the episode "Strong Arms of the Ma", advising Marge (who is taking up weightlifting) to use steroids. She reveals during her time in prison, she was "Miss Mexican Mafia". In The Simpsons Movie, she is seen in an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting along with Barney Gumble.