§15-2-38. Refund to dependents upon death of member not eligible for benefits.

If any member dies and the board is of the opinion after hearing that the dependent or dependents of the member are ineligible under the provisions of this article to receive any of the benefits provided herein, the board shall refund to the spouse, if surviving, but if not surviving, to the children of the member, and if there is no surviving spouse or children, to the dependent parents, a sum equal to the aggregate of the principal amount of all moneys deducted from the salary of the member and paid into the fund. If there is no surviving spouse or children or dependent parent or parents, then a sum equal to the aggregate of the principal amount of all moneys deducted from the salary of the member and paid into the fund will be paid to the member's estate. Whenever a refund is made to the surviving spouse or other dependents of the deceased member, the surviving spouse or other dependents shall not be entitled to any other rights or benefits from the fund.