Alison “Ali” Lynn Bunn Massar, 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.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Thursday November 16, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
608 Lehman Avenue
Circle, Montana 59215
Funeral Service
2:00 PM
Friday November 17, 2023
Circle Evangelical Church
300 B Avenue
Circle, Montana 59215
Interment
Following Funeral Service
Friday November 17, 2023
Riverview Cemetery
Circle, Montana 59215
Luncheon
Follow the interment
Friday November 17, 2023
Circle Evangelical Church
300 B Avenue
Circle, Montana 59215
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Thursday November 16, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
608 Lehman Avenue
Circle, Montana 59215
Funeral Service
2:00 PM
Friday November 17, 2023
Circle Evangelical Church
300 B Avenue
Circle, Montana 59215
Interment
Following Funeral Service
Friday November 17, 2023
Riverview Cemetery
Circle, Montana 59215
Luncheon
Follow the interment
Friday November 17, 2023
Circle Evangelical Church
300 B Avenue
Circle, Montana 59215
Share
Myron and Pauline Gackle says
Tyrel and family,
Ali was a special blessing to all of us who knew her. She will be greatly missed! We have such sorrow in our hearts for your loss of Ali, Tyrel. Our prayers are with you and your family in this time of mourning. God bless you!
Valarie Van Wechel says
I’m very saddened at the loss of a beautiful friend, wife, & mother. She will be missed by so many. She was beautiful. God will heal our hearts in His perfect timing.
Christy Inion says
I had to sort thru numerous photos of our good times together. Ali loved her family fiercely. She had a huge heart full of love but a fantastic sense of humor too. I loved laughing and being Rediculously goofy with her in the years I lived in circle. My heart goes out to her family
scott taylor says
Tyrel and the whole Massar family, although I don’t know Tyrel or Ali very well…I know the Masar family well enough to know they are all great people….Godly people…and my heart goes out to you Tyrel…May the Lord hold you and your family close to His heart at this time…and know that His people care for you….Scott Taylor
Kimiko (Jacob and the kids) Wittkopp says
Sweet friends. We’re grieving with you all, praying for loving comfort, and have you constantly on our thoughts. May God grant you peace, love you all!
Tim and Diane Ehman says
Our hearts go out to Bob and Susie Bunn, Jessica and the Massar family. Ali was a real sweetheart, and we know you will miss her dearly. We will keep you in our prayers.
Jeff, Bettinna, Aubrey, and Tracen Moos says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Florence Meissner says
Dear Tyrel and family. My heart is full of sorrow fir your loss of Ali. She was such a sweet person and kind and thoughtful. My prayers are with you.
Karlyne Mickolio says
I was so sorry to hear of Ali’s passing. Sending all my love and prayers your way.
Phil and Marilyn Reinemer says
Dearest Massar Family..Our hearts break for you. Ali was such a blessing. You all truly are in our prayers.
John M. Chatwood says
Family and friends,
Growing up on Blue Creek and being next door neighbors I got to watch Ali and Jess always having fun. Facebook kept me up on some of the new life she had in Circle. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who knew and was touch by Ali. Go in piece!
Ron and Kathy McFarland says
Though we did not know Allie personally, the story of her faith and courage is so inspiring. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Pam Capp says
Many prayers to the families. My parents adored Ali on Blue Creek.
God Bless,
Pam Wickham Capp
Linsey Kallestad (Lindgren) says
I have the pleasure of calling Ali one of my oldest friends because we started kindergarten together at Blue Creek. Ali and I lost touch in high school, but I’m so glad we reconnected after college and maintained a long distance friendship all these years. I posted some pictures showing us from our dandelion picking days of T-ball, to our going out dancing days, to settling down with our cowboys, to having kids who could play together. I wish I had been closer this year, but I cherish our final texts and hold all our childhood memories dear. Bunn and Massar famailes, the world gained one heck of an angel and I’m glad she’s watching over us as we celebrate her life.
Brittiny Grigg says
Tyrel and family….Many miles and many years apart but never ever far from my heart. Some of my greatest memories of living in Circle was the time spent with Ali and you Tyrel in the worship band. Sending prayers and love to you all.
Mercy Hey says
Ali was one of the first people to befriend me and make me feel at home in Circle. Her faith and strength is a true inspiration. It was a joy to watch her parent her sweet kids and to love her husband…as a young mother myself, she taught me through her example about patience and finding joy in the small moments. We miss her so much.
Jen (Sahly) Weesner says
Ali was so much fun to be around. She was unabashedly daring, and lived her life to the absolute fullest. I felt like she was a kindred spirit. We both enjoyed snowboarding (when we were younger), photography, and being mamas to our kiddos. I had so much fun texting my sweet cousin and exchanging photos of our daughters (who are so close in age), and trading mama brags about what our kiddos were up to. She was an example of unwavering faith in God, and leaned into her relationship with Jesus during hard times. She was full of love and joy and hope. I will miss her until we meet again in heaven.
Will Jensen says
I’m so sorry Tyrel. I only got to see Ali a few times over the years, but she seemed like a really neat person. I’m thinking of you and your kids and the whole family.
Dane Sybrant says
Thank you Ali for being my friend and neighbor growing up in Billings. We had some great times at Blue Creek, and while we lost touch, the memory of you, our friends, and your family are some of my earliest and deepest. My thoughts are with your family during this time. May peace and blessings be with you all.
Misti (Restad) Fyfe says
I’m so sad to hear of Ali’s passing. I have fond memories of growing up in Blue Creek and playing with Jessica and Ali. It was nice reconnecting through Facebook and seeing photos of her life and family in Circle. My heart goes out to The Bunn and Massar families. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Shayna Phalen says
I didn’t know Ali well, but she left quite an impression on me. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Praying for peace and comfort for you all.