Trailblazing aviator and astronaut Wally Funk, whose lifelong determination broke barriers for women in aviation and space exploration, has died at the age of 87.
According to the City of Grapevine, Texas, where she had been living, Funk passed away Wednesday night surrounded by her loved ones. Her death marks the end of an extraordinary career that spanned more than seven decades and inspired generations of aspiring pilots, astronauts, and aviation professionals.
Born with a passion for flying, Wally Funk became one of the pioneering women selected for the Mercury 13 program during the early 1960s. The privately funded initiative tested women for astronaut qualifications, and Funk excelled throughout the rigorous evaluations. Despite her qualifications, she was never given the opportunity to fly into space after NASA ended the women’s astronaut program before it officially began.
Although she was rejected multiple times during her pursuit of becoming a NASA astronaut, Funk never abandoned her dream.
That dream was finally realized on July 20, 2021, when, at the age of 82, she traveled aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-16 mission alongside company founder Jeff Bezos. The historic flight made her the oldest woman to travel to space, earning her a Guinness World Record.
Before the mission, Bezos welcomed her aboard by saying, “No one has waited longer. It’s time. Welcome to the crew, Wally.”
Following the successful flight, Funk described the experience with enthusiasm.
“The launch was so fantastic. You can’t believe it… We took off, and it was fantastic.”
Reflecting on reaching space, she added:
“When we got into space, it was so fabulous. The whole flight was so easy; it was incredible.”
An alumna of Oklahoma State University, Funk earned numerous pilot certifications and became a proud member of the university’s Flying Aggies program. Throughout her remarkable career, she accumulated more than 30,000 hours of flight time while training over 3,000 pilots.
Her pioneering accomplishments extended far beyond spaceflight. She became the first female flight instructor at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, later served as a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, and worked as an air safety investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board. She was also an active member of the Oklahoma City-based Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots, helping advance opportunities for women in aviation.
Funk received numerous honors during her lifetime, including induction into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame and the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame. She was also named an Honorary Colonel of Louisiana. Officials have announced that she will be inducted posthumously into the International Space Hall of Fame at the New Mexico Museum of Space History.
Throughout her life, Funk encouraged young people—especially girls—to pursue careers in aviation and science, often reminding audiences:
“You have to be your own person. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do.”
Grapevine City Councilwoman Duff O’Dell praised Funk’s enduring influence, saying her unwavering determination proved that dreams have no expiration date and that her achievements will continue inspiring future generations of explorers and innovators.
Wally Funk’s remarkable journey from pioneering aviator to record-setting space traveler stands as one of the most inspiring stories in aviation history. Her perseverance, courage, and refusal to give up on her lifelong dream transformed her into an international symbol of resilience and possibility.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Wally Funk will be remembered as a pioneering pilot, aviation educator, astronaut, and champion for women in aerospace whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to reach for the stars. May she rest in peace.