Gathered in their family home, on the Near East Side the Ransiers—Kathy, Fred, and their sons Brad and Rick—radiate warmth, humor, and gracious hospitality. A close-knit group, the family also speaks frequently and fondly of their late son and brother, Charles, who they say serves as their inspiration every day.
The Ransier family’s story began more than 50 years ago. Kathy, who grew up in West Virginia, moved to Ohio to attend the Western College for Women, now part of Miami University. After a brief career as a systems engineer, Kathy decided to pursue a law degree at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, where she met Fred, a fellow law student. Prior to law school, Fred, who was raised in New York, had relocated to Ohio to attend Central State University.
“This community has given us so much—from the quality of education our sons received to the friends and neighbors who embraced Charles, so many people have given us so much.”
KATHY RANSIER
The couple, who remained in Columbus after finishing law school, went on to have long and successful careers, including starting their own law practice, Ransier & Ransier, in 1976, which for over 26 years delivered legal services to individuals and businesses. Later, both Kathy and Fred joined the law firm Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP, where they would retire in 2012 and 2018, respectively.
Although Kathy and Fred credit their careers for helping them get involved in the community, including through volunteer service on local boards and commissions, it’s their children and grandchildren who have had the greatest influence on their philanthropy. Charles, in particular, has had a sizeable impact.
The second of the three Ransier sons, Charles was born on November 13, 1981. Described by his family as a funny guy who didn’t know a stranger, Charles was born with developmental disabilities that affected his development and life expectancy. However, Kathy and Fred were determined to provide Charles with opportunities to grow and thrive alongside his brothers. Despite being told by doctors that Charles would likely not live beyond his second birthday, he defied expectations, living for almost 18 years.
For the Ransiers, life with Charles was filled with joy—and it was an experience that demonstrated the power of teamwork and community.
“This community has given us so much,” said Kathy, who previously served as Chair of the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities. “From the quality of education our sons received to the friends and neighbors who embraced Charles, so many people have given us so much.”
Wanting to pay that generosity forward, the Ransiers established the Ransier Family Fund, a Donor Advised Fund at The Columbus Foundation, in 2020 to support organizations that reflect their values and to honor Charles. Through their fund, the family has awarded grants to a variety of organizations, including the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts, Columbus School for Girls, Cristo Rey Columbus High School, Jazz Arts Group of Columbus, and Mid-Ohio Food Collective.
Today, the Ransier home often serves as a gathering place for friends, neighbors, and family—which, as Fred explains, underscores the family’s desire to care for the people and community around them.
“How proud am I that I’m here with my two sons and their children, and that we’re a tight-knit group,” said Fred. “Charles has a lot to do with that. We shared a unique experience together, and that’s why we honor him in our lives.”