Lori Leigh Hillis Trumbo

Lori Leigh Trumbo (68) passed from this life after a brief illness on September 2, 2026, at her home in Sandy, UT, peacefully surrounded by the family she loved so deeply. Although our hearts are broken by her passing, we are grateful for the beautiful life she shared with us and for the many memories that will remain with us forever.

She was born July 8, 1958, in Sacramento, CA, to Jack Hillis and Joann Jones Hillis and was an only child.

Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Anchorage, AK, where she lived until she was 7 years old. She carried vivid memories of living next to the forest, where bears and moose would routinely appear, as well as the great Alaska earthquake of 1964. Her father owned and operated a hunting lodge and flew clients to their destinations in his small airplanes, giving Lori a childhood filled with experiences she remembered throughout her life.

When Lori was 7, she and her mother moved to Sandy, Utah, to live with her grandparents, aunts and uncles. She had a happy childhood and graduated from Jordan High School. As long as she could remember, Lori had dreamed of becoming a beautician. She attended beauty school while in high school and began her career as a hairdresser after graduation. Her work became much more than a career; she formed lifelong friendships with her clients and took genuine joy in making people feel beautiful and cared for.

Lori had a remarkable eye for beauty. She made sure her family was dressed well and always had their hair properly done. She studied interior design and took great pride in making her home as beautiful as she was. Somehow, she always knew where to find the perfect piece of furniture or the special accessory that would make a room complete. Her family will always smile when remembering her famous late-night trips to Target or TJ Maxx in search of just the right finishing touch.

Lori married Kirby Trumbo on August 2, 1986, and they recently celebrated 40 years of marriage. Together they built a family filled with love. Lori and Kirby had two children, Nick and Laurin, and later welcomed Traci and David, from Kirby's first marriage, into their family. Lori embraced the challenge of creating a blended family and devoted herself to making everyone feel loved, included and happy. Her love and commitment to her family were at the heart of who she was.

Lori loved her Heavenly Father and tried to share that love through service and kindness. She especially loved children and found great joy in serving as the church nursery leader for 10 years, until her knees and back made it difficult for her to “get down to the children’s level.” Those years reflected the tenderness, patience and love she had for the little ones in her care.

More than anything, Lori loved her family. And among all the roles she cherished, being a grandma brought her the greatest happiness. She loved raising Isabella and treasured every opportunity to babysit, help and simply be there for her grandchildren. She looked forward to every visit and phone call from each one of them. Her grandchildren knew they were loved, and that love will remain a precious part of their lives.

Lori leaves behind a family who will miss her more than words can express. She is survived by her husband, Kirby; her children, Nick (Michelle), Laurin Little (Brendon), David, and Traci McGinley (Zane); and 10 grandchildren. She is also survived by her uncle, Bryce (Carole) Jones; her aunt, Virginia (Rick) McMichael; and 10 cousins.

Lori's life was a gift to those who knew and loved her. Her warmth, sense of beauty, devotion to her family, faith in her Heavenly Father, and especially her love as a wife, mother and grandmother will be remembered and cherished. While we grieve the space her absence leaves in our lives, we will carry her love and memory with us always.

There will be a graveside service for Lori at Mt. Olivet Cemetery located at 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City on September 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM.

If you would like to make a donation in her name, please visit CJDfoundation.org/donations.