Tricia Leah Allen

Tricia Leah Allen-Smith, a devoted and loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt, friend and teacher passed away on May 10, 2022, at the age of 45.  Tricia was born on May 24,1976 in Reno, Nevada to Leslie and Kathryn (Borden) Dikes.  She spent much of her early years in the Camarillo, CA area then moved to Ridgecrest in December 1987 and graduated from Burroughs High School in 1994.  She  received her associate's degree from Cerro Coso Community College in Ridgecrest, CA, a Bachelor's of Science degree in Environmental Science  from UC Santa Barbara  in 1999 and a Master's of Science Education from California State University East Bay in 2008.

Tricia was a well known figure throughout the Ridgecrest community.  Tricia taught biology, environmental science, chemistry and yearbook at Sherman E. Burroughs High School from 2000 to 2022. Tricia loved teaching and found joy in making lasting relationships with students and fellow staff.  Her sense of humor, quick wit, and playfulness helped her to engage student's interest in classes and keep many long-time friends.  In recent years, Tricia became the yearbook advisor which enabled her to further study the hobby of photography and share these skills with students.  Tricia loved all types of animals.  As a child she loved horses, she studied sea life, but above all, Tricia was passionate about dogs.  She was partial to bullmastiffs, but opened her heart and home to rescue dogs, some of whom faced medical challenges.

Tricia married Steven Smith in April 2019. They shared lives as educators, sports fans, travelers, restaurant and micro-brew and wine enthusiasts and as dog owners.  Tricia loved to cook, listen and sing to music, and socialize with people at gatherings and restaurants.  Tricia and Steven tried to travel often during weekend retreats, spring breaks and summer vacations.  Publicly, Tricia did not want people to worry about her cancer diagnosis, so she carried on her days by showing little weakness or discomfort from her illness.  Privately, Tricia and Steven knew their time was limited, so they did their best to stay busy and make the most of the time they shared.  Cancer cut short and changed many plans, but until the end, they discussed sights they wanted to see and places they wanted to revisit.

Tricia is survived by husband Steven Smith, parents Leslie and Kathryn Dikes, sister and brother-in-law April and Daniel Weigele, their two children, in addition to multiple aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Tricia's name to her favorite charities:  Second Chance at Love Humane Society, the American Cancer Society or the local animal shelter.

The Celebration of Life ceremony is set for Saturday, June 4 at 11AM in the Parker Performing Arts Center at Burroughs High School 500 E. French Ave. Ridgecrest, CA 93555. During the ceremony, if you choose, you may share a fond memory or thought.