Death records, probates, and obituaries are not the only place where your relative’s name could appear after their death. There are a variety of records and materials that could contain a reference to your ancestor–even if that ancestor was deceased. Barbara Haase had been dead for several years and her name was still appearing on tax rolls because her estate had not been settled. Newspapers may mention your relative’s name after their death for a variety of reasons. The estate of your dead relative could have been sued as well.
Your ancestor stops breathing when they die. References to them may continue for some time in certain records.
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City directories are often another source of an ancestor’s name being mentioned after death. Their name appears in the form of “wid. of” statements.