government
Wally Funk, Texas aviation pioneer who was the oldest woman to travel into space, dies at 87
By Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 9, 2026
· 2 min read
Wally Funk, an aviation pioneer who was the oldest woman to launch into space, has died. She was 87.Funk died Wednesday at her apartment in an assisted living facility in the Dallas and Fort Worth suburb of Grapevine, Texas, Grapevine City Councilwoman Duff O'Dell said Thursday. O'Dell, who descr...
Key takeaway Funk died Wednesday at her apartment in an assisted living facility in the Dallas and Fort Worth suburb of Grapevine, Texas, Grapevine City Councilwoman Duff O'Dell said Thursday.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
Wally Funk's passing resonates in the Houston area, where her trailblazing achievements in aviation have inspired countless individuals, particularly women, to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As a community within the Houston metropolitan area, Magnolia , Texas, can reflect on Funk's determination and perseverance in the face of adversity, values that are deeply ingrained in the local culture. Her legacy extends beyond her remarkable journey into space, as she paved the way for future generations of female pilots and astronauts. The fact that she was given the opportunity to launch into space aboard Blue Origin's rocket in West Texas, not far from the Houston area, serves as a reminder of the region's growing significance in the space industry. Funk's story will continue to motivate and empower individuals in Magnolia and beyond, cementing her place as a Texas aviation pioneer and a role model for years to come.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Wally Funk, an aviation pioneer who was the oldest woman to launch into space, has died. She was 87.Funk died Wednesday at her apartment in an assisted living facility in the Dallas and Fort Worth suburb of Grapevine, Texas, Grapevine City Councilwoman Duff O'Dell said Thursday. O'Dell, who descr...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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