Ruthie Smithens

Ruthie Smithens was the fifth Best Friend released; she is the "Best Friend" of Kit Kittredge.

Facts

 * Name: Ruth Ann Smithens (but prefers to be called Ruthie)
 * Birthday: August 22, 1932

Family and Friends

 * Lily Smithens: Ruthie's mother
 * Stan (presumably Stanley) Smithens: Ruthie's father, a banker.
 * Ruthie is their only child.

Friends: See Kit's Family and Friends

Personality and Background Information
Ruthie is Kit's best friend; it is unknown when the two girls met but was somtime before the events in Meet Kit. She loves princesses and movie stars; she is depicted as an avid reader of fairy tales (including the Color Fairy Books and Grimm's Fairy Tales). She also helps write pieces for Kit's homemade newspaper, the Hard Times News; she mostly talks as Kit types.

Unlike Kit, Ruthie's family is not financially affected by the Depression; this allows Ruthie to continue things such as dance, tennis, and horseback riding lessons. The Smithens have many times offered help to the Kittredges, but mostly in ways that don't hurt their pride. Ruthie has an idealized worldview due to her lack of financial struggles, and due to this she sometimes hurts and offends Kit by trying to help in not-so-tactful ways.

Despite their major differences Ruthie is a loyal and courageous friend who will go to great lengths to help Kit.

Book
Really Truly Ruthie

Kit's Central Series
Ruthie has a significant role through Kit's entire series.

Kit's Short Stories

 * Kit’s Tree House
 * Kit's Winning Ways
 * Kit Uses Her Head

Film
Kit Kittredge: An American Girl

Doll
Main Article: Ruthie Smithens (doll)


 * Face Mold: Classic Mold
 * Skin: Light/pale
 * Hair: Dark brown, curly
 * Eyes: Gray

Meet outfit:
 * Purple dress
 * Light blue socks
 * Black shoes
 * Purple hair ribbon
 * Underpants

Meet Accessories:
 * Wristwatch
 * Purple barrettes
 * Black purse
 * Handkerchief