Trysta Marie Hazel was born in Billings, MT, on November 19, 1996, to her beloved parents Jason and Jennifer Halsey. Trysta unexpectedly passed away at her home in Billings on January 30th, 2020 at 23 years old.

When Trysta was only six years old, she was faced with a difficult diagnosis. At one point, she was wheelchair bound and wearing a helmet to protect her head from bouncing off a hard surface in the event of a severe seizure. However, this didn’t faze her; she would put on a brave smile despite being in pain. It was clear there was something special about her. The fighter in her led her to defy the odds and soon she was a walking, talking force of nature. Her seizures were frequent as a child, but became less severe and occurred less often as she grew older. This was partly thanks to a ketogenic (sugar free) diet, but mostly thanks to her sheer strong will and courage.

She went on to become a member of 4-H, showing off her guinea pigs. She also spent some time volunteering at the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter, where she got to hang out with one of her favorite things in the world. If you know her, you know it was cats.

Trysta was obsessed with My Little Pony, and took exceptional care of her prized ponies. She loved puzzles and was thrilled with the challenge of an especially difficult puzzle. She had to travel to Denver often for appointments, but she turned something the average person would dread into an exciting adventure that she truly looked forward to.

Trysta was an avid bingo player and loved heading to the bingo hall, and every now and then, luck would be on her side and she would win. She loved practicing yoga alongside her dad, a cherished activity they regularly enjoyed together. She was a wonderful sous-chef and a great help in the kitchen.

She brought joy to everyone she met, and she gave her entire heart to her loved ones. If she liked you, you were definitely met with a beaming smile and most likely experienced bunny ears. If she loved you, you would have no doubt as you were greeted by her rushing toward you and eagerly embracing you with the tightest hug! She can only be described as sweet, kind, and loving.

Trysta is survived by her parents, Jason and Jennifer (Hazel) Halsey; brother Trey Hazel; sister Jamie Mullins; her chosen brothers, Taylor Barman, Cody Manula, and Bailley Craig, Grandmothers, Janine Foster and Darlene McDonald; Uncle Richard Hazel, fondly referred to as “kitty”; Aunt Chris Wildman, also known as “auntie teen-teen”, Jon and Shari Burns, Chris Burns; her cousins, Travis, fondly referred to as “puppy”, Stephanie, "Stephie", Aella and Ari Chamberlain, Tyler and Marina Wildman, BreAnn and Jeremie Vandersloot; and many other family and friends who she had met along the way.

A celebration of Trysta’s life will be held on February 10, 2020 at 2 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel, 925 s 27th st Billings MT. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please send condolences to 3962 Cambridge Drive, Billings MT 59101