Chiyoko Bates-Card, a cherished mother and grandmother was born on June 10, 1934, in the enchanting landscapes of Okinawa, Japan, and gracefully departed this world on February 3, 2024, in Del City, Oklahoma. Her legacy will be carried on by her loving family who cherished her dearly.
Chiyoko was a woman of faith, a dedicated member of Ridgecrest Church of Christ. Her spiritual journey was marked by a deep commitment to her beliefs and a genuine love for her church community.
Throughout her life, Chiyoko demonstrated resilience and grace in the face of challenges, losing her husband just 8 short years after arriving to the United States. She was a beacon of strength, fostering unity and love within her family. After raising her children, George, and Christina she married Archie Card in 1999. She and Archie were married until his death in May of 2021. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched with kindness, compassion, and unwavering love.
Chiyoko is survived by her devoted children: George and Traci Bates, Yoshitake Kuwae; Brenda and Kevin Carter, John and Brenda Card, Bud and Carol Card, and Donna and Daniel Melendez. Her memory lives on through the generations she nurtured, including her beloved grandchildren: Kylie and Demetrius Merkerson, Kaleb Bates, Jacob Bates, Joseph Bates, Christina Johnson, Keigan Pettit, Christian Pettit, Dillon Brandon, Dalton Brandon, Savannah Pettit, Marissa Carter, John Carter, Kyle Card, Nicole, John Arebolo, Kaylee Card, Brandon and Briannica Card,Christina and Tommy Liesy, Abbie and Chris Hamblin, Cody and Samantha Williams, and Amber Torres; and son in law, Tim Pettit. The circle of love extends further to include her great-grandchildren: Khyron, Kaizlynn, Adrian, Adrienne, Karsyn, Karter, Keighton, Kolton, Aurora, Diana, Ryatt, Rebel, Josiah, and Noah. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, George Alfred Bates, and Archie Card; daughter, Christina Pettit; and sister, Kiyoko Neal.
In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made in Chiyoko’s honor to Ridgecrest Church of Christ, 500 N. Air Depot, Midwest City, OK 73110.
