Agnes “Petie” Merritt, age 96, of Grand Rapids, passed away Thursday, January 1, 2009.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry.  She is survived by nieces, Lenor and Margie Schenden, nephew, Jack Belke, and many other nieces and nephews; close friends, Kathy Kransberger, Olga Strickinger, and Mary Markham.  A memorial service will be held at the Forest Hills Presbyterian Church on Monday at 1:00 p.m. with visitation for one hour prior to the service.  Rev. John Natelborg will officiate.  Interment is in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.