local
Aviation pioneer Wally Funk, who trained as an early female astronaut, dies at 87
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 9, 2026
· 5 min read
By Ashley Strickland, Jackie Wattles, CNN
(CNN) — Wally Funk, a pioneering aviator who volunteered to be an astronaut for NASA’s “Women in Space Program” in 1961, has died at the age of 87.
Funk passed away at her home in Grapevine, Texas, Wednesday evening, according to a spokesperson for th...
Key takeaway ” Born Mary Wallace Funk on February 1, 1939, she dedicated her life to becoming an accomplished pilot who forged a pathway filled with firsts.
Why this matters in The El Paso
Wally Funk's passing leaves a void in the Texas aviation community, where she was a beloved figure and a source of inspiration for young people, especially girls, pursuing careers in science and flight. As a resident of Grapevine, Texas, Funk's legacy extends beyond her pioneering achievements in space exploration to her contributions as a flight inspector and investigator, which have a direct impact on the safety and regulation of air travel in the region. Her extensive experience as a pilot, with over 19,600 flying hours, is a testament to her dedication and expertise, and her teaching of over 3,000 people how to fly has helped shape the next generation of aviators in Texas. The city of El Paso , with its own rich aviation history, can appreciate the significance of Funk's accomplishments and the barriers she broke in the male-dominated field of aviation, paving the way for future generations of women in flight.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso 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 KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 5 min
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What is this story about? By Ashley Strickland, Jackie Wattles, CNN
(CNN) — Wally Funk, a pioneering aviator who volunteered to be an astronaut for NASA’s “Women in Space Program” in 1961, has died at the age of 87.
Funk passed away at her home in Grapevine, Texas, Wednesday evening, according to a spokesperson for th...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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