Louella Gleason Hext

Born and raised on a commercial apple farm in northern Pennsylvania with 4 brothers and no sisters.  Raised in the United Methodist  church, started singing in the choir at age 14.

After leaving the farm, lived in many cities, large and small, around the U.S.  The large cities include Phoenix area, San Francisco bay area, El Paso, and Corpus Christi, TX.   Also lived in Germany, Philippines, and Saudi Arabia.

Louella and her husband George live in The Dalles, Oregon.  They have a blended family - 3 daughters and 2 sons, 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Favorite occupation: working as church secretary/administative assistant.  Over a span of 20 years worked at 4 churches (3 different denominations: Southern Baptist, Presbyterian (PC USA), and United Methodist.)

Authored and self-published book Church Office Manager.  Taught workshops for church office workers;  secretaries, pastors, and volunteers. The main focus of the book is about improving communication within the church staff, committees and groups, and the church members.

Musician.  Played piano since age 7 and organ since age 16.  Taught keyboard lessons since age 16 - including many students while living in Goodyear, AZ and Saudi Arabia.

Taught music at the Parkdale Baptist School (Corpus Christi, TX) for two years; helped students (grade 1 - 6) write music and skits for their annual performances.

Owned and managed 3 travel agencies while living in La Grande,  Oregon.

College:  
El Paso Community College; major was music, piano and pipe organ.
Del Mar College, Corpus Christi, TX; major was business marketing and management degree.