Margie B. Arras

Margie Louise (Bonnell) Arras was born in Cairo, Ohio on January 1, 1943, to Leroy and Rozella (Carder) Bonnell. Marge spent the early part of her life in Cairo with her parents and older sister Peg (Marian).

After graduating from high school in 1961, Marge attended the Automation Institute learning to be a computer key punch operator. After completing her courses Marge started working at Marathon Oil in Findlay, Ohio. It was at Marathon that Marge met Joe Arras, the love of her life. Marge and Joe were married April 10, 1965, and just celebrated 61 years together.

Marge and Joe moved around quite a bit in the early years of their marriage. Spending time in Lawton, OK; Findlay, OH; Livonia, MI and Plano, TX before settling in Elgin, IL in 1977. Son, Chris and daughter, Tracy were both born during their time in Livonia.

It was during these brief pit stops that they fostered their love of sports cars, hobbies, travel, and making friends. Marge was able to combine her love of hobbies and friends by playing in several Bridge groups, and bowling with the Newcomers social group during their early years in Elgin. Marge went back to school at ECC and Judson College before settling into a new career at Safety-Kleen.

Whether it was through card games, bike groups, Newcomers, or neighbors down the street, Marge was always surrounded by a loving network of people that continue to be her dearest and most wonderful friends today.

Marge used her hobbies to engage the community around her. A life-long, voracious reading habit turned into hundreds of volunteer hours at the library. An early political interest with the Buckeye Girls’ State resulted in Marge being an election judge for several years in the Elgin area. Perhaps most exciting was seeing Marge turn her sewing hobby into a new quilting passion that led her to the Quilts of Valor community.

Travel was the hobby that she most liked to share with her friends and family. Marge and Joe’s road trips to visit the grandkids in MN and TX were exciting for everyone and always included an interesting stop that may or may not have been on the way. They also enjoyed traveling around the US and France to find that next, best glass of wine. Bike trips with friends throughout the Midwest were a source of fun and enjoyment for many years. Family travel was her true joy, especially when both Marge’s and Peg’s families would adventure together.

Marge enjoyed people and continually sought new communities to join. She was always up for a new adventure, particularly when it resulted in good company, new friends, nice wine, and great food!

Marge was also a cat person with her whole heart and was always excited to share her own cat stories or see and hear about the exploits of others. Cowboy, TT, and Yodi are all very happy to see her now.

Marge passed away June 13, 2026, following a two-year, hard-fought battle with cancer. Those that know Marge, know she was tenacious in her struggle and never gave up. She is survived by her sister Peg Lamb, husband Joe Arras, son Chris and Suzi Arras, daughter Tracy and Bret Swenson and grandchildren Josh, Jake, Caden, Emma, and Caitlin. Nieces and nephews Kim Wells, Tim (Pam) Lamb, Pam (Steve) Hite, and Matt (Sandy) Lamb.

The family would like to especially thank the team at BlackBerry Pines, Elburn, IL for making Marge’s last several weeks so comfortable.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026 at 11:00am at the Hartman-Rousculp Funeral Home, Columbus Grove, OH.

A celebration of life will be held in Elgin, IL on a forthcoming evening.

The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers memorials be given to Quilts of Valor at www.govf.org or the Elgin Public Library at www.gailborden.info/foundation