Former Newry Farmer's Daughter Has Made Baked Goods From Scratch For 30 Years

Lisa Becker has known all her life what hard work is about. Becker grew up in Newry, the daughter of Bill Hite, who owned a farm.

In 1979, while working on the farm, she learned various aspects of baking, decorating, dough making, and other jobs related to the baking business. To move on to a higher position, Becker had to have 1,000 hours in learning the job she wanted to do.

While working at Jethro’s in Altoona, Becker paid attention to how the dessert area was handled. Little by little, she learned how to make many desserts. At this time, Becker also worked food shows at Seven Springs for U.S. Foods, formerly Sky Bros.

Becker was affiliated with the Calvin House in Altoona and Tasty Pastry in Gallitzin. She attended the Southern Allegheny Chef Association from 1980s until 2007. Becker said that Tasty Pastry was supplying small mom-and-pop stores with doughnuts before Sheetz. Harvestfest at DelGrosso’s Park was another event Becker enjoyed participating in. She remembers frosting numerous small cakes as people stood in line to purchase.

Becker has been a judge at a baking competition.

In 2001, she was an assistant teacher in Tyrone School District, where she taught decorating among other aspects of baking. Opening her first bakery in her house in Newry became such a great business, Becker gave up teaching to devote her time to baking.

In 2006, Becker moved to Greenwood and set up her business there in her home where it remains today. She has been baking for Jethro’s in Altoona for over 30 years. Becker also has been doing some baking for The Spring House Grille in Roaring Spring for more than 15 years.

A few weeks ago Becker had five weddings planned for the weekend.

A list of the items Becker makes is available on her website.

Customers recommend buying “anything banana.”

Lisa Becker Custom Cake Decorating business is located at 1201 E. Hamilton Lane in Altoona, Pa. Telephone number is (814) 946-4964 and website is http://www.lisabeckerbakery.com.