Gertrude "Trudy" Stewart Oltmann Hammett

Mrs. Gertrude (Trudy) Stewart Oltmann Hammett, wife of Miles Wood Hammett passed away on Thursday, December 24, 2015 at her home, surrounded by her family she loved so much. Her funeral service will be held Saturday, January 2, 2016 in Pinecrest Baptist Church, 1285 Ashley Hall Road at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends in the church one hour prior to the service. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR INC.,WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL.

"Miss Trudy" was born January 8, 1922 in Mexico, New York, daughter of the late Garold and Josie Stewart. She moved to Charleston in 1931. She attended James Simmons School, and later transferred to Craft School, and graduated from Memminger High School in 1939.

"Miss Trudy" as she was known to thousands of former dance students, is the founder of Trudy's School of Dance, founded in 1939 in her home in Byrnes Downs, where she taught classes in her living room so she could be there for her children. As a young girl she delighted many Charlestonians by dancing at local events, including with all the "Big Band Orchestras" that played in Charleston during that time period. She also taught dancing many years in several different locations in Charleston, including on King Street, Avondale, Folly Beach and James Island, plus several small towns around Charleston. Her daughters later opened a studio in Mount Pleasant, SC., and taught there for 24 years as well.

Miss Trudy married William H. Oltmann now deceased the same year she graduated from high school. They had four children. Twin sons, William (Billy) H. Oltmann, III, (Glenda), and Stewart Allen Oltmann; two daughters, Judy Oltmann Bennett, (Jim), and Linda O. Walker all of James Island; brother, James (Stoogie) Fredrick Stewart (Eleanor) of Hilton Head and North Carolina; eight grandchildren, Loren Bethea (John) of Summerville, Kelly W. Beam (Scott) of West Ashley, Tiffany G. DiPrima of James Island, Stewart Allen Oltmann, Jr., (Theresa), English Oltmann, William H. (Billy) Oltmann, IV., (Joyce), Gregg Oltmann (Susan), and Travis Oltmann (Katrina) all of Charleston, SC. She also leaves ten great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter and namesake, Eden Jane Augusta Beam, daughter of Joshua S. Beam and Brooke. Eden is now 21/2 years old and already taking dance from her "Aunt Tiffany". I am sure Mrs. Trudy is watching the next generation with love and the hope of keeping her 76 year tradition of teaching dance alive for the wonderful people in Charleston, SC. She is also survived by a step-son and his wife, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Hammett of Columbia, SC., and a step-daughter, Robin Taylor of Gaffney, SC, and four step-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In 1983, after many years of teaching dance, Mrs. Trudy decided to retire and turn over her dance studio to her daughters, Judy O. Bennett and Linda O. Walker. Now her granddaughter, Tiffany G. DiPrima is also proudly carrying on the family tradition of over 75 years of dancing in Charleston.

The Hammett family wishes to thank Mrs. Donna prior, LeAnne DeMario, and other care givers that have he so much love and attention, especially the Hospice of Charleston team that was always there for her. We love & appreciate all of these dedicated people that gave our mom so much love and attention.

Mrs. Trudy's influence and love of dance will continue to affect many people in the dance world for generations to come. She is much loved and will be missed by her family, friends, and former students. Mrs. Trudy and her husband Miles are members of the Pinecrest Baptist Church on Ashley Hall Road.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Pinecrest Baptist Church, 1285 Ashley Hall Road, Charleston, SC 29407 or Trudy's School of Dance, Adopt- A -Dancer Program C/O Trudy's, 1655 Folly Creek Way, Charleston, SC 29412.