Carleen Rae Eliason

Carleen Rae (Exe) Eliason, age 83, was welcomed home into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on the evening of December 22, 2025, at The Legacy in Gillette, WY.

Carleen was the daughter of Arthur and Lillian (Boehrs) Exe. Carleen was born on October 25, 1942, in Venice, CA, as her parents had moved to the west coast to support the war effort. Later the family moved back to South Dakota and lived in various places including Timberlake, Eagle Butte, and Rapid City.

Carleen graduated from Central High School in Rapid City in 1960 and married Lloyd Eliason of Lantry, SD, on July 1, 1961. Lloyd served as a ranch hand west of Eagle Butte and then they moved to Rapid City where Lloyd worked in construction and Carleen worked in electronics manufacturing for CP Clair and Control Data, as a cook, home daycare, and a waitress at various locations including Romans Rendezvous, Alex Johnson, and the NCO Club at Ellsworth AFB. Carleen and Lloyd had three sons, Carl, Darin, and Dale. Their marriage ended in 1978.

Carleen continued to live and work in Rapid City until the Fall of 2007 when she moved to Gillette, WY, to be closer to her two younger sons who lived in the area. She worked at Walmart in Gillette until her retirement. The past two and a half years she has been a resident at The Legacy in Gillette.

Throughout her life Carleen was known for her love of family as she would do anything for her boys. Carleen was also known for her cooking, especially fried chicken and porcupine balls with mashed potatoes, and homemade hashbrowns. Carleen was also a great baker, especially pies and cinnamon knots, and everyone loved to be around her because of her gift of hospitality.

Carleen was a friend to everyone and welcomed many co-workers into her orbit from all over the world. She loved going to church and being a part of the fellowship wherever she lived.

Carleen is survived by her three sons, Carl Eliason and his wife Joan (Grand Island, NE), Darin Eliason and his wife Shelly (Gillette, WY), and Dale Eliason and his wife Jacinta (Gillette, WY). Also survived by her siblings, Larry Exe (French Town, MT) and Sandra Exe (Gillette, WY), grandchildren Isaac Eliason and wife Sarah, Lydia Berry and husband Matthew, Brandi Martin and husband James, Bradley Eliason and wife Morgan, Alex Sisneros and wife Crystal, Alysha Sylte and husband Ryan, Danica Eliason, Nicholas King, Garcia Hatten and partner Chelsea, Marlene Burr and husband Alex , Dale Eliason, Jr., and Zane Eliason; great-grandchildren Isla Martin, Banks Eliason, Saylor Eliason, Ryker Sisneros, Ridge Sisneros, Aponi Hatten, and Alana Burr.

Carleen was preceded in death by her parents, Art and Lillian Exe, and her sister-in-law Vivian Exe.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, December 30, 2025, at First United Methodist Church, 2000 W Lakeway Road, Gillette, WY. The Rev. Cory Young will officiate. Carleen will be buried at Mount Pisgah Cemetery, Gillette, WY.

Memorials can be sent to the family for use yet to be determined in Carleen’s name. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.gillettememorialchapel.com