The exemption is not affected by the death of the husband or wife, but inures to the benefit of the surviving members of the family.
The exemption inures to the benefit of the widow and family of the householder until the youngest child becomes twenty-one years of age.
The homestead inures for the benefit of the widow and minor children.
The homestead of a householder who is the head of a family or of any resident of the state who has attained the age of sixty years is exempt, to the value of $1500, or 160 acres of land, from execution and attachment arising from any debt, contract or civil obligation other than taxes, purchase money or improvements, so long as it is occupied by the owner or his or her family, and the exemption inures for the benefit of a widow, widower or minor children.