If a member shall die before retirement, regardless of cause, and not later than the last day for which he or she receives compensation or within four months after the last day for which the member receives compensation or while the member is physically or mentally incapacitated for the performance of his or her duties, if such incapacity has been continuous from such last day to the date of death, a death benefit shall be paid to his or her estate or designated beneficiary consisting of an amount equal to one-twelfth of the compensation earnable by him or her during the twelve (12) months immediately preceding death multiplied by his or her completed years of service as a member of the system, not to exceed six, plus his or her contributions and interest credited thereon. Upon the death of a member after retirement and regardless of the cause of death, a death benefit in the amount of five hundred dollars ($500.00) shall be paid to his or her estate or designated beneficiary. (Prior code § 34.03.306)