Margaret J. Ringenberg

We were thrilled to have "Maggie Ray" at Smith Field in l945-46. I worked at the "other" flying service and also obtained my private license.
She was a wonderful lady and accomplished so much!

To the Ringenberg family,
You are in my prayers during this time of loss. I met your mom once in person when she knocked my front door because the TV station was filming a feature about her and they wanted to film the home she grew up in. She was such a pleasant and down to earth lady and the meeting was all too brief to suit me. I'd heard stories from my Aunt Irene about when they both worked at GE and rode into work together. My mother-in-law sent me every newspaper clipping she found about your mom and I've kept them all. She was ahead of her time and our little corner of the world is a much better place because of her. She was a blessing to many and will be missed by many more.
God bless you.

I would like to share a story with Margaret's family. My husband was afraid of flying and decided to conquer his fear by learning to fly himself. He was at Smith Field ready for his first flight, Margaret was there. He was nervous and she asked why. He said he was afraid of flying. She told him "Nothing to worry about, if you have a problem you look for the first place to land" Just as simple as those words were from Margaret - he went up to fly, is now a pilot, has conquered his fear of flying and now I am learning to fly and got to know Margaret myself through the 99's in which I am a future women pilot. Thank you for that advise to him Margaret, you will be missed! God bless to her and all her family!

I well really miss her she was a wounderful person & a great friend to every one she came in contact with!!!!!

I worked for Bowman Aviation in 1995 when they ran Smith Field. I remember Margaret very well for I fueled and moved aircraft across the field. In July, the owner Dixie asked me to cleam a white and orange Mooney airplane. Little did I know thatthis was Margarets airplane. She inspected it and after I missed a very tiny piece, she was pleased with how I cleaned the airplane for her. She will be missed. She enjoyed flying and she proved that "Girls Can Indeed Fly".

I'm really sorry for the lost of such a great lady. She will be missed.
I was employed at Grabill Bank and worked with her husband Morris. He really liked to talk about all of her accomplishments.

Margaret was a real inspiration to me. I met her when I was a student pilot at a speech she was giving to the Kiwanias. She took the time to talked to me and take pictures. I am now a Private Pilot at 57 years old. Her memory will live on in my heart. I am so sorry for your loss and will pray for your family.

Margaret was an inspriation in so many ways. My condolences to her family. I did a radio story about Margaret about 9 years ago, and as part of it, I got to go flying with her. What an honor. Every woman like me who has earned her pilot certificate owes a salute to Margaret and other women like her who paved the way for us. Godspeed.

Live the Life you Love -- Margaret certainly did that.

I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Margaret one day last winter as she fought the winter elments to drive from Ft. Wayne to Findlay to speak to the Zonta Club.

We will always remember her! And for me, I'll always remember to...Live the Life you Love!

Thanks Margaret and may God bless.

My sincere condolences to the Ringenberg family. I first met Margaret when I started taking flying lessons in 1967 at Baer Field in Fort Wayne. I showed up for my first lesson and was quickly won over by her confident, professional and friendly demeanor. She was a great teacher and sent me off on my first solo after only 3 hours instruction. She thought I was ready, but I didn't. It took a little convincing, but I trusted her judgment and reluctantly headed down the runway. The fact that I'm writing this indicates the success of that solo flight. She was a really great pilot and a wonderful human being. The world has lost a valuable asset. Goodbye Margaret.

Mararet was an aviation mentor to follow. She was firm, precise, and shared information she had obtained thru thousands of hours of flying. We shared a few sweaty hours in our Mooney 201 while obtaining my instrument rating.
It is amazing that her hair never turned white with students like myself! I am sure she is flying in heaven and sharing her joys with the angles.

Margaret was a wonderful combination of talent and energy. She was loving and loved. She could inform and inspire. She could entertain and educate. She was able to tap into SO many facets of her being. She had my attention!!