(a) The death of a personal representative or the appointment of a guardian for the estate of a personal representative terminates his or her appointment.
(b) Until appointment and qualification of a successor or special representative to replace the deceased or incompetent representative, the representative of the estate of the deceased or incompetent personal representative, if any, has the duty to protect the estate possessed and being administered by his or her decedent or ward at the time his or her appointment terminates, has the power to perform acts necessary for protection, and shall account for and deliver the estate assets to a successor or special personal representative upon his or her appointment and qualification.