Ann Knight Gutman

1938 - 2017

GUTMAN

Ann Knight Gutman - It is with profound sadness that the family of Ann Knight Davis Gutman announce her passing on March 9, 2017 at her home in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband and daughters by her side. Ann Knight was born in Lexington, Kentucky on April 24, 1938. Her parents William Wootton Davis and Gilberta Knight Davis had moved to Lexington from Virginia thus making Ann Knight a Southern girl and lady forever! Ann Knight graduated from Lafayette High School in Lexington, Christian College in Columbia, Missouri, and the University of Kentucky. She worked as an art teacher in the Fayette County School System. Ann Knight left teaching to become a devoted and loving mother to her three children: John Dawson, Jennie Watkins and Ellen Grayson. Her first marriage ended in divorce, but it opened the door for a most happy and delightful life. In 1973 she met her true soul-mate Dale Gutman. Ann Knight never missed an opportunity to tell her story of how lucky she was to find her perfect match. Their mutual adoration, love and exquisite taste created a journey of forty-five years of decorating, saving houses and traveling the country with dear friends collecting all sorts of "stuff". In 1989 life changed when Ann Knight and Dale bought a 1795 house in Midway, Kentucky to create Scottwood Bed and Breakfast which became one on the top 100 in the United States for 10 years. In 1999 Ann Knight found a new project in Cincinnati's East Walnut Hills neighborhood. She named this gardener's cottage "Folly" and was all-in for building a garden paradise. The houses and gardens that Ann Knight created were showcased in national magazines and many local publications. In her East Walnut Hills studio she made ornaments from antique dolls and vintage materials. She sold them at the Cincinnati Art Museum, boutique gift shops and online. Ann Knight also became a passionate collector of antique Christmas items. One little thing that Ann Knight struggled with was explaining her "double name". But growing up with friends like Ann Clay, Billy Ray, Betty Ann and Sue Clay she had a different perspective. Ann Knight dressed with her own style which was always personal, elegant and chic. She loved to compliment a complete stranger about something that caught her eye. Ann Knight was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, The Cincinnati Art Museum, The Decorative Arts Society of Cincinnati, The Taft Museum and The Junior League. She is survived by her adoring and adored husband Dr. Dale G. Gutman; son John Dawson Whitehead and his wife Myra of Clinton, TN; daughter Jennie Watkins Murphy and her husband Thomas Murphy Jr.; and daughter Ellen Grayson Musson and her husband Steven Musson; grandchildren Katherine Davis Murphy and Thomas Joseph Murphy III of Cincinnati; one brother William W. Davis Jr. and his wife Gene Ecton of Charlottesville, VA; and most loving white Scottie dog Pearl. Preceded in death by her parents William Wootton and Gilberta Knight Davis. Ann Knight's legacy is one of beauty, love and cherished infinite friendships with all who knew her. A private remembrance service will be held, and later in spring, a Memorial Celebration of her life. Special thanks to her compassionate doctors and Hospice of Cincinnati. Special gifts in her memory should be directed to Hospice of Cincinnati or the SPCA. Condolences may be expressed at: GilliganFuneralHomes.com.