Ilene Louise Berry was born in Hunter, KS., January 10, 1919. She attended schools in the area, graduating from Hunter High School. Ilene attended Kansas State University and was an elementary school teacher for many year. However, in 1943 she joined the Navy and became a CTI, (Cryptologic Technician Interpretive). CTI's are the Navy's Language and culture experts. The CTI's receive language training at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA and cryptologic training at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, TX. They specialize in analysis of foreign language materials and the the preparation of statistical studies and technical reports. While in the Navy, Louise met her husband George Allen, a Native American, who advanced through the Navy ranks and later had a position in Washington DC. George commented that it was not an easy road for Native Americans during this time. He faced racial obstacles often, including not being served food at restaurants to not able to book a hotel room. Louise and George finished there careers and life together in Annadale, VA. Louise is buried in the Arlington National Cemetery.