Barbara Caruso

Barbara Lasley Caruso, of Kettle Island, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, in Johnson City, Tennessee. She was born on August 1, 1938, in Kettle Island, Kentucky, the youngest child of Bertha Elliot Lasley and Robert Lasley. Her siblings included her brother, Robert Eugene Lasley, and her sister, Willa Dean Lasley Johnson.

Barbara grew up as the daughter of a coal miner in the Kettle Island mining camp where her father worked as a tipple foreman. She graduated from Bell County High School in 1956, where she was active in the band as both a trombone player and majorette. She continued her education at Lincoln Memorial University, where she met her first husband, Ernest Francis Caruso. The couple married in New Tazewell, Tennessee, on March 9, 1957, before relocating to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Barbara devoted herself to raising their three sons, Frank, Robert, and Anthony (Ernie). Later, the family moved to York, Pennsylvania, where they welcomed their fourth son, Matthew. The family eventually returned to Bell County in 1975. Barbara built a remarkable career during a time when such paths were uncommon for women. She served as the director of mobile home operations with FEMA, traveling throughout the South to assist with disaster recovery efforts.

She later moved to Wartburg, Tennessee, with her husband James “Jack” Dempsey and worked as a data systems analyst for Stone & Webster, contributing to engineering work associated with the Breeder Reactor in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

After Jack’s passing, Barbara reconnected with Robert Hoskins at a high school reunion. They later married and made their home in Corbin, Kentucky.

Above all, Barbara considered her greatest achievement to be her family. She found her deepest joy in raising her children and remaining a constant source of love, care, and support for her grandchildren. Barbara had a deep faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and desired the same for those she loved. She was faithful in reading her Bible every day and praying for her family every night.

As the matriarch of her family, Barbara served as a steady and unifying presence—keeping loved ones connected, informed, and supported through all of life’s moments.

She is survived by her sons, Frank Caruso and his wife, Leslie, Robert Caruso and his wife, Jana, E. Anthony Caruso, and Matthew Caruso and his wife, Amber. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Justin and his wife, Mary, Emily, Corri, Koleton, and Eliana Caruso; and her great-grandchildren, Ella Caruso, Emmalyn Caruso, and Violet Weaver.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Bertha and Robert Lasley; her brother, Robert Lasley; her sister, Willa Dean Lasley Johnson; her granddaughter, Kristen Dawn Caruso; and her husbands, Ernest Francis Caruso, James “Jack” Dempsey, and Robert Hoskins.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Arnett & Steele Funeral Home on Sunday, June 7, at 12:30 PM, followed by a graveside service at Pineville Memorial Cemetery at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Barbara’s favorite charity.

Arnett & Steele Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Pineville is honored to serve the Caruso Family.