Chiyo Sato Wrye

Chiyo Sato Wrye went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 21, 2026. A devout follower of Jesus Christ, she was married for 61 years to her beloved husband, Bernie, who preceded her in death. Born in Yoron Island, Japan, to Mimura and Machi Sato, Chiyo was the youngest of eight children, all of whom preceded her in death.

She is survived by her three children and their spouses—Kiyoko Henderson, Deka Brokke (Scott), and Donald (Raquel), as well as eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. During the Battle of Okinawa in World War II, Chiyo’s family became impoverished and homeless. They lived in beach caves on Yoron Island and relied on the ocean for sustenance. The war impaired her formal education, and she only made it to middle school after the war, but it never diminished her eagerness to learn. She learned to speak Japanese, Okinawan dialect, Yoron dialect, and English.

After the war, her family worked together to survive through farming and fishing. In her early twenties, Chiyo moved to Okinawa for work and trained as a barber. It was at the barber chair that she met Bernie, the love of her life. They married on October 19, 1962. Chiyo embraced life as a military spouse and later became the loving mother of three children. She was caring and selfless, always putting her husband and children before herself. Because of her devotion, our lives were never without food, clothing, and a mother’s love. She was Bernie’s confidante and sounding board as they grew together in their Christian faith.

She endured a 23-year endeavor as a military spouse and worked feverishly to become a US citizen in 1970. As her faith grew, Chiyo’s mission was to spread the gospel to the Okinawan people. Both Bernie and Chiyo became missionaries to Okinawa in 1984. On Okinawa, she was involved with mission work at various churches and worked at Okinawa Christian School for 2 years while fostering children who were without a family. After many years of witnessing and perseverance, she led her then 84-year-old mother to Jesus Christ.

In the local Omaha area, she worked beside Bernie operating the First Baptist Church Back Door Boutique pantry for 14 years. Her hobby of gardening was astonishing as she was able to grow a variety of vegetables. It was well known to us kids that she was the master gardener and Bernie was the student.

In Lieu of flowers donations may be directed to the Harrison St. Baptist Church.