The Circle Banner - Anyone can love the mountains, but it takes a soul to love the pairie

Alison Lynn Bunn, "Ali", was born on August 11, 1984 to Bob and Susie Bunn in Billings, Montana. After a courageous battle with brain cancer, Ali passed on November 10, 2023 in Circle, Montana. Ali placed her trust in Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior, so it is with great anticipation that we await our reunion with her in the future.

Ali's childhood was full of much curiosity and adventure in the great outdoors of Montana. She was the youngest of two daughters born to Bob and Susie. Her adventurous and fiery spirit matched her beautiful and fiery auburn hair. Ali had a beautiful heart and was a quiet leader who lit up every room she walked into with class, wit, and humor. Ali attended Blue Creek Elementary School, Billings Christian Junior-High School, and Senior High School in Billings, MT. Ali's adventures included time at our family cabin in the Beartooth mountains and early skiing with her mom, which developed into a love for exploring the mountains of Montana on her snowboard with her best friend Jana during high school. Her fearless and risk-taking snowboarding skills gave her mom many gray hairs. Ali was also a naturally gifted trumpet player in high school. Her family loved watching her effortlessly take over first chair of the Senior high band every semester. Ali often expressed her gratitude for her parents' and grandparents' loving Christian guidance in her formative years. Her parents were quick to support her in her goals and provided her a very firm foundation to build upon. She was deeply grateful for the unconditional love and room they provided for her to grow into a woman of integrity and grit. Ali and her sister, Jess, were like "peas and carrots" throughout childhood. They remained the best of friends into their adult lives. They had a connection that could not and never will be severed.

In college, Ali had the great honor of attending the Focus on the Family Institute in Colorado Springs, CO. This experience was a positive highlight that profoundly impacted her life. Additionally, she earned a cosmetology degree in Montana and worked as a cosmetologist and esthetician for several years. Ali eventually opened her own salon, Studio Neveah, in Circle, MT. It was during the years while she was in cosmetology school that Ali met and fell in love with her cowboy from eastern Montana. On June 7, 2008, Ali married the love of her life, Tyrel Massar, at a beautiful service in Circle. Ali found her life and community in Circle to be fulfilling, and rich in friendship. Her soul flourished there. It was exactly the place God had intended for her to settle down and grow deep roots. Though her life was short, her roots were indeed deep. Ali was actively involved in Circle Evangelical Church, where she greatly enjoyed her church family. God brought many precious friends to her life in Circle. Ali and her family have been deeply touched and grateful for each of those friendships, especially through her diagnosis and battle with cancer. Thank you – Life is a team sport, and we are deeply grateful for each of you.

Ali later hung up her cosmetology shears for cowgirl boots. She found great joy in helping Tyrel with all things on their family farm and ranch. Ali loved the farming and ranching life. Highlights she would often mention included: branding, helping with harvest, checking crops, and taking lunches to Ty in the field. She also became quite a markswoman and loved time at the range and hunting trips alongside Tyrel. She enjoyed documenting many of those moments with her camera and had a wonderful eye and talent for photography. Ali captured many beautiful memories on the ranch that have become award-winning photographs.

Ali wore many hats; however, her favorite crown was that of being a mom! She devoted her life to her family and was over-the-moon excited to welcome Justine and Traben into their family. Ali would often say that God, her family, and being a mom were the greatest gifts to her life. Ali loved watching Justine and Traben growing into their many gifts and strengths. She loved nurturing each of those strengths as their biggest cheerleader.

Ali cherished the following Biblical words in her heart, and in them she found deep reassurance: "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). Here, the Apostle Paul is not expressing a faith in the goodness of all things, he is expressing a faith in the goodness of God. Those closest to Ali watched her courageously walk hand in hand-and find unwavering strength-with Jesus through this great trial. Because of her steadfast example we can say with confidence, He is indeed a Good and Faithful God.

We love you forever, Ali.

Ali was predeceased by her beloved grandparents; Joe and Vee Barrow, and Ray and Addie Bunn; and her Uncle John Barrow. She is survived by: her husband Tyrel and their children Justine and Traben; her parents, Bob and Susie Bunn; her sister and brother-in-law, Jessica and Brian Cherni; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

On Thursday November 16 there will be a scheduled viewing for family and friends from 5:00-6:30pm at the funeral home in Circle. A celebration of Ali's life will be held on Friday November 17 at 2:00pm at the Circle Evangelical church with a service at Riverview Cemetery immediately following.

In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to:

Friends and family in your own lives who are battling cancer, as such stories deeply touched Ali while she fought her own battle;

and to the Eastern Montana Bible Camp, 1862 Road 523, Bloomfield, MT 59315 (406) 583-7573, as it was an unfulfilled dream of Ali's to organize and contribute to a camp for families who have sustained heartache and trauma in their lives. The Eastern Montana Bible Camp shares Ali's heart to help young Christians and families grow.