Since there is no mention of a Will, I assume that there is none (if there is, then the PR must abide by its terms).  In the case where a person dies without a Will they are said to have died "intestate".  Accordingly, the intestacy laws of the state where the deceased was domiciled as of the date of their death will control.  Additionally, in AZ, if an estate is under a certain dollar amount no formal probate need be filed. However whether or not a formal probate is opened or a small estate administration is used, state law controls just how the an estate is to be distributed.  It is not up to the discretion of the PR.