Indiana Chapter of the Ninety-Nines, Inc.
Margaret Jane Ringenberg, 1921-2008
Margaret Ringenberg flew to New Horizons on July 28, 2008, ending a lifetime of aviation joys and triumphs. She left to the Indiana Chapter of Ninety-Nines and the flying world a legacy of incredible accomplishments, from her time as a WASP, to air racing, to her many hours as a Flight Instructor. Her achievements are more numerous than I can list here, as are the students she taught to fly. I was especially touched in learning that Margaret always sought out the students who were having the most difficulty in learning; the ones no other instructor wanted. They will remember her.
Of the many honors and awards bestowed upon Margaret, none is more important than the respect and gratitude of the thousands she has inspired and helped to become a part of the aviation world.
Perhaps the greatest honor for Margaret Ringenberg and the most fitting tribute to her life is the vision, courage, and dedication she has demonstrated throughout her lifetime. This legacy will continue to inspire countless others to pursue their dream to fly.
“LAST FLIGHT”
I’ve flown beneath the moon and stars
And felt the night’s sweet kiss
But all the while I wondered
What’s beyond all this?
So when I break Earth’s tethers
For that last fantastic flight
I’ll soar above the moon and stars
And look down upon the night.
By Dorothy Rungeling
Submitted by Nancy W.
Indiana Chapter of Ninety-Nines