News : Break-in reported during funeral of rural Vinton woman Barb Becker Guillory

For months before her death, Barbara Becker Guillory and her family felt the love and kindness of area residents who tried to help her cope emotionally and financially with her battle with cancer. Fund-raising efforts took place; an event was held Sept. 18, after a stroke had complicated Barb's fight with the illness.

Barbara lost her battle with cancer last Monday, Sept. 20. Many of those people who had helped her family throughout Barb’s illness gathered to say a final farewell and to help Barb’s family through this difficult time.

But the Becker and Guillory families also experienced the cruelty of which some people are capable.

Barb’s widow, Glenn Guillory, returned home from Barb’s memorial service on Sept. 24, to discover that while the family was at the funeral home, someone had broken into the house. An undisclosed amount of cash, as well as medication, was reported missing.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident. Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the 6300 block of 24th Avenue (Highway 150) south of Vinton on Sept. 24 is asked to contact authorities.

Theft prevention idea: House-sitting during a funeral

Deputy Mark Johnson investigated the report the morning of Sept. 25.

“All burglars are opportunists – any time they have an opportunity to break in and steal they will do it,” said Johnson. “But the idea that someone will break in and do that at this time when people are grieving, that’s pretty incredible. Anyone would find it incredible to think that someone would strike at a time like that – but they will.”

Johnson offers a suggestion for someone who is a friend or neighbor of a family who is planning to be away for a funeral – or even a wedding.

“This may not a bad idea to consider – offering to house sit,” said Johnson. “During times like these people often ask, ‘What can I do?’ If it’s someone you know you can trust and they know you well enough to trust you, maybe you can offer to house-sit during that time.”

Most of these burglars, said Johnson, are betting that nobody will be at the house. If you are house-sitting and someone pulls in, get as much information as you can, including a vehicle description and license plate number, suggests Johnson.