Lori Kinnard

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lori Jean (Hochhaus) Kinnard. She passed away peacefully after a brief illness on July 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Lori was born on December 9, 1958 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She spent her early years in Cedar Rapids until her parents loaded up Lori, and her three younger siblings into a station wagon, packed their travel trailer and headed to sunny Arizona where they arrived in July of 1967. After a brief stay in Maryvale, the family settled into their home in Tempe. Fun fact, Lori was part of the first 3 year class to be promoted from the newly opened Connolly Junior High School in Tempe.

Lori attended McClintock High school where upon her graduation in 1977, she ventured back to the snow country of Michigan with her future husband Daniel Higginbottom and his family where they resided until returning to her beloved Arizona in the early 1980’s.

Lori’s life evolved into becoming the proud mother of her sons Justin and Ryan. She was also involved in running the family business during this busy time of her life. Lori always loved the outdoors, which was an extension of her childhood family adventures. She especially loved boating with her family on Lake Powell, fishing at local Lakes or the Rim Country. Laughter, the beaches of El Golfo and Rocky Point, Mexico (especially with her girfriends), arts and crafts, watching or attending NASCAR races, and dogsitting, are just a few of the things she enjoyed in life.

Lori is survived by her children Justin (Renee) and Ryan as well as siblings Sheila Rae Escalante, Martin Dean (Isabel), and Jeffrey Alan Hochhaus as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Gary Kinnard, former husband Daniel Higginbottom, and parents Dean and Mavis (Robbins) Hochhaus as well as her niece, Nicole (Barnes) Acosta .

The family would also like to thank all of the caregivers at Banner Baywood Hospital in Mesa, AZ for the attention, care, and kindness given to Lori, her family, and friends during her stay there. Also, many thanks to all of her friends that surrounded her with care, love and kindness during this time.

A celebration of life is being planned and will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lori’s name to the ASPCA or Barbs Dog Rescue in Rocky Point, Mexico.