Kaye Ann Carleton

Kaye Carleton, 63, of Eagle River, passed away on September 1, 2025, at Alaska Regional Hospital, with her loving husband, Bob Carleton, by her side.

She was born on December 9, 1961, to Hilma and Ralph Backman. Kaye grew up in Stephenson, MI, and Two Rivers, WI. She later attended high school in Green Bay, WI. After high school she lived in Two Rivers, WI again, and then Marana, AZ. She moved to Alaska in 1991 and built a beautiful life there over the last 34 years.

Kaye married Jerry Austin in 1985, and together they shared twelve years of happiness raising their beloved daughters, Adrienne and Alexis Austin. Jerry passed away in 1997, leaving Kaye to begin a new chapter of her life.

In 2012, Kaye married Bob Carleton, who remained her devoted husband until the end of her life. Kaye was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt.

Kaye took pride in her work as the Office Manager of the Eaglewood HOA, but her greatest joys came from her garden, her family, and her beloved dog, Grace. She will be remembered most for her lively spirit, her laughter, and her voice that carried warmth and energy wherever she went.

Kaye was preceded in death by her first husband, Jerry Austin; her parents, Hilma and Ralph Backman; her brother, Mark Backman; and her mother-in-law, Shirley Carleton.

She is survived by her husband, Bob Carleton; father-in-law, Robert Carleton; daughters Adrienne Austin (Michael Whelan) and Alexis Austin (Jeffrey Novzen); stepchildren Kymber Traub (Eric Traub) and Craig Carleton (Kathryn Carleton); grandchildren Meredith Whelan, Eleanor Novzen, Nora Traub, Craig Levi Carleton, and Lorelei Carleton; siblings Rodney Backman (Joanne Backman), Mary Hayward (Tom Hayward), and Lisa Smith (Michael Smith); and seven nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly.

A memorial service will be held on September 18 at 12:00 p.m. at Joy Lutheran Church, with a reception to follow at Eagle River Elks Lodge. All who knew and loved her are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Donate Life America.