Chiyoko Denham

Chiyoko Denham, an esteemed and award-winning barber, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025, in Junction City, Kansas. She was born on December 16, 1935, in Sendai, Japan, to her parents Tadashi Sasaki and Yoshimi Saiki.

Chiyoko's journey was one marked by both professional achievement and personal devotion. After marrying Barbie (Bobbie) Roy Denham on May 10, 1957, in Tokyo, Japan, she carried her passion for barbering across the ocean to the United States. Chiyoko's skill and dedication in her craft garnered her recognition and respect in her community, where she continued to touch the lives of many throughout her career.

Beyond her professional life, Chiyoko enjoyed enriching her personal experiences with varied hobbies and interests. She was an avid gardener, finding solace and joy in tending to her plants. Fishing brought her peace, making it a beloved pastime that allowed her to connect with nature. Furthermore, Chiyoko shared her vitality and enthusiasm for health as an instructor for senior center exercise classes, fostering fitness and well-being within the Junction City community.

Chiyoko's life was not without its share of heartbreak. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobbie, who passed away on January 6, 2023, and their infant son, Barbie Roy Denham Jr. 

The legacy of Chiyoko Denham will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her. Her remarkable life story, marked by determination, compassion, and artistry, leaves an indelible mark on her community and beyond. She will be remembered fondly by the many lives she touched throughout her life.