Ruthie is the young farm girl who befriends Big Bird in Follow That Bird. Along with her brother Floyd, Ruthie offers Big Bird shelter in their barn and introduces him to the joys of farm chores through the song "Easy Goin' Day". The friendship is interrupted by the abrupt arrival of Miss Finch. Her mom and dad don't appear in the movie but her mom's voice is heard off screen telling her and Floyd that it's time to go to bed.

Ruthie and Floyd also appeared in Big Bird's Day on the Farm, a Little Golden Book based on the farm scenes from the movie.