Dennis S Ransom

Dennis Stephen Ransom entered eternal rest on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. He made his grand entrance into the world on August 20, 1955, just a few minutes ahead of his twin proving early on that he liked to lead the way. Dennis was the eldest son born to Charles Ransom Jr. and Lula M. Ransom (née Tolbert). He was the unofficial ambassador of the Ransom name, often declaring with pride "We The Ransoms"

Dennis grew up attending Bethany Baptist Church in Elyria, Ohio with his parents and siblings. As his faith deepened, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and remained a devoted member under the leadership of the late Reverend Dr. Reginald Winbush. In his younger days, Dennis could often be found making a joyful noise singing in the family group with his siblings or keeping the beat on some drums.

He graduated from Elyria High School with the Class of 1974 and soon after answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. His service took him both across the country and overseas to Germany. After his military service, Dennis returned home and worked as a laborer for various companies throughout Northeast Ohio.

Dennis will be remembered for his gentle spirit, kind heart, and easygoing nature. He had a quiet way of making people feel comfortable and a sense of humor that could bring laughter when it was needed most. One of Dennis's greatest joys in life was music. Whether he was dancing (which he loved to do with his twin sister), singing along to a favorite song, or simply enjoying the rhythm of a good tune, music always found its way into his day. He especially loved the music by The O'Jays, Gerald Levert, and Fantasia.

A true Ohio native, Dennis proudly cheered for all things Cleveland. Sundays often meant watching the Cleveland Browns (win or lose), Cleveland Guardians (Indians), or Cleveland Cavaliers with his brothers and extended family, sometimes celebrating victories and often times "patiently waiting until next season."

Family meant everything to Dennis. He enjoyed staying connected with those he loved, often spending his Sundays with phone calls to check in with his children, grandchildren, and relatives.

Dennis leaves to cherish his memory: his father, Charles Ransom Jr.; his three children, Steven Maurice (Danicka) Ransom of Clermont, Florida; Denishia Ransom of Kissimmee, Florida; and Monique Isom (Leonard Demore) of Elyria, Ohio; two stepchildren, Anthony Cummings (Nisha) and Chitikia Williams (Shannon); two sisters, Denise Ransom-Morris of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Rhonda Ransom of Charlotte, North Carolina; three sister in laws; Pam Oliver, Brenda Gault, Jean Trice; brother in law; William Cummings; five grandchildren, Ty'Ajia (Mohamed) Ransom-Diop, Steven Phillips, Steven Witherspoon Jr., Elisha Witherspoon, and Braxton Steven Maurice Ransom; and great-grandchildren Amina Phillips, Amari Phillips, A'Kinzley Phillips, and Kiyah Diop.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace "Gracie" Ransom; his mother, Lula Ransom; his sister, Mary Skinner; his brothers, Charles Ransom III and Eddie Johnson; his paternal grandparents, Charles and Mary Ransom Sr.; his maternal grandparents, Oscar and Mattie Tolbert; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Though Dennis may no longer be watching the games with us on Sundays, we know he has the best seat in the house now cheering on all things Cleveland.