One branch of the family was in the funeral biz for much of the 20th century, and this is a common thing. The MOST common funeral-related “item removals” happen through close acquaintances, friends, and other family members.
Many times the perp will actually be at the funeral, and have another person drop-in and remove the item(s) that were “promised” to them at some unknown time in the past. No one will recall it or remember last seeing it - the item just ‘disappeared’.
Not unheard of in the past to have a sheriff deputy posted at a house to keep out EVERYONE, NO EXCEPTIONS while a funeral was in progress.
The worst kinds of thieves are those that feel like they’re justified and ‘due’.
Like Latonia.