World War II changed life forever for Gene Matheny, as it did for millions of other American women. Born near Ringgold, Louisiana, she grew up on a family farm. After finishing high school in 1943, she moved to Shreveport for a job as an operator with Southern Bell Telephone & Telegraph Company, making seventy-five cents an hour. She shared an apartment, learned how to budget her money, and shopped for food and clothing. After she met Bob Matheny, a sailor home on leave, they continued their courtship through letters when he returned to the Pacific. They married on October 21, 1945. While Bob spent a career in the Navy, Gene reared their five sons. They retired and live in Shreveport.