The benefits provided for in section 40-46-13 shall be subject to the following definitions:

1. "Child" or "children" means only the surviving issue of a deceased active or retired employee, or the child or children legally adopted by a deceased employee prior to the

employee's retirement from active service, or by a retired employee prior to February 21, 1941.

2. 'Widow' or 'husband' means only the surviving spouse of a marriage contracted prior to the retirement of a deceased employee from active service, or of a marriage of a retired employee contracted prior to February 21, 1941.