government
Wally Funk, aviation pioneer who was the oldest woman to travel into space, dies at 87
By Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· 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 The San Antonio
As San Antonio residents reflect on the life of Wally Funk, they may consider the city's own connections to the aerospace industry and the role of pioneering women in shaping its history. While Funk's achievements took her to space and beyond, her legacy can inspire local students and professionals in STEM fields, particularly those interested in aviation and space exploration. The city's proximity to military bases and research institutions also underscores the importance of women like Funk, who broke down barriers in male-dominated fields. As the San Antonio community looks to the future of space travel and exploration, Funk's determination and perseverance can serve as a model for local initiatives and programs aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in these fields. Her story can also inform local discussions about the importance of supporting and empowering women in STEM careers, ensuring that the next generation of pioneers has the opportunities and resources they need to succeed.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio 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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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