In case the losing party fails to bring an action under § 21-6-1 within the time allowed by said section, it shall be the duty of the state's attorney, at any time within six years from the date of the loss, to bring action to recover such thing, or the value thereof, for the benefit of the spouse or minor children of such party, or, in case there be no spouse or minor children, for the benefit of the public schools.
SDCL 21-6-2