Aviation trailblazer Wally Funk, who lived in Grapevine and was the oldest woman to launch into space, has died, according to the city.
Funk died Wednesday at her apartment in an assisted living facility in the Dallas-Fort Worth suburb of Grapevine, according to City Councilwoman Duff O’Del...
Key takeaway In 2021, Funk was celebrated by the city of Grapevine for her historic spaceflight aboard a Blue Origin New Shepherd rocket.
Why this matters in Frisco News
Wally Funk's passing leaves a void in the North Texas community, where she was celebrated for her trailblazing achievements in aviation and space flight. As a resident of Grapevine, Funk's legacy extends beyond her historic space flight aboard Blue Origin in 2021. Her determination and perseverance in the face of gender barriers serve as a testament to the region's strong tradition of innovation and progress. The fact that Funk spent 60 years waiting for her chance to fly in space, only to become the oldest astronaut in history, is a reminder that the Dallas-Fort Worth area has long been a hub for pioneers and groundbreakers. With her extensive flying experience and numerous accolades, Funk's impact will continue to inspire future generations of women in STEM fields in Frisco and beyond, solidifying her place in the region's rich history of aviation and space exploration.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Local . Frisco 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 NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Local . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Local ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Aviation trailblazer Wally Funk, who lived in Grapevine and was the oldest woman to launch into space, has died, according to the city.
Funk died Wednesday at her apartment in an assisted living facility in the Dallas-Fort Worth suburb of Grapevine, according to City Councilwoman Duff O’Del...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Local and curated for Frisco News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Charles Nichelson, Wilson Wong | NBC News and The Associated Press at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Local. To learn more about how Frisco News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from Frisco News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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