All news

Million dollar surprise! Illinois family honors wife with lottery ticket

Numbers and fate lead to a million-dollar win for family.

The Illinois Lottery logo on a storefront.
Samantha Herscher

An Illinois family recently discovered a heartwarming way to win big on the lottery. Their story combines the thrill of chance with a touching tribute to a loved one, proving that sometimes, the greatest wins go beyond just money.

Numbers steeped in sentiment

The winning ticket, purchased for the May 20th Lotto drawing at a BP gas station in Wadsworth, wasn't your typical lottery pick. This family plays together, and their chosen numbers hold a special significance.

The daughter explained:

Our family likes to play the same numbers in various lottery games from time to time. The numbers are very near and dear to our hearts. Since our mom passed away, we include numbers related to her that hold significant meaning for all of us.

The winning ticket matched all six numbers, securing the family a life-changing $1 million jackpot. The news came as a delightful surprise, even causing a playful misunderstanding between father and daughter.

The daughter continued:

I actually saw a news story that a ticket was won nearby. So when my dad called me that night and said “I have big news - guess what?” I rained on his parade when I said “We won a million dollars?” He hadn't seen the article yet.

This double dose of surprise – first, learning of the win, then realizing the extent of it – added another layer of joy to the occasion.

Celebrating a legacy and looking ahead

The family, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed their excitement, particularly the father. This win not only brought financial security but also served as a poignant reminder of their loved one.

“Everyone is really excited, but nobody is more excited than my dad!” the daughter said. This win became a way to celebrate their mother's memory in a unique and unforgettable way.

With the win secured, the family can't help but think about the future possibilities. The daughter shared their lighthearted take on the lottery:

My dad is convinced we will win one of those huge Mega Millions or Powerball jackpots next. We play for fun! It's fun to think about who we'd share our prize money with, what causes we'd donate to, what we'd splurge on. There's no harm in dreaming… but it's even more fun when it becomes a reality.

About the Illinois Lottery

This story serves as a reminder that the Illinois Lottery can bring more than just financial rewards. It can be a way to connect with loved ones, create lasting memories, and celebrate life's special moments.

Could you be next? Try your luck with the Illinois Lottery and see if your lucky numbers bring you a dream come true, filled with both financial security and a chance to honor those special to you.

Related games

Comments

0
Loading comments

Related articles

Publix #1816 on 4000 N. Highway 29 in Newnan, Georgia.
Featured
What we know about Georgia's $980M Mega Millions winner

Someone in Newnan just won the eighth-largest Mega Millions jackpot ever.

Samantha Herscher profile pic

Samantha Herscher

A sign at Joe's Service Center in Altadena, California, states they sold the $2.04 billion winning Powerball ticket.
A $2 billion mystery: Was Edwin Castro the real Powerball winner?

Did a faulty camera system lead to a wrongful lottery winner?

Alex Cramer profile pic

Alex Cramer

The Colorado Pick 3 and Tennessee Cash 4 logos over a white background with confetti.
Lucky 8s and 6s trigger big wins in two states

Colorado bettors grabbed almost $100K, while Tennessee players scooped over five times that.

Todd Betzold profile pic

Todd Betzold

The Washington Lottery Hit 5 logo over a white background.
Washington Lottery player scores $195,000 Hit 5 jackpot

It's another reminder that even smaller draw games can deliver big dreams and bigger payouts.

Todd Betzold profile pic

Todd Betzold

Recent articles

View All
Publix #1816 on 4000 N. Highway 29 in Newnan, Georgia.
Featured
What we know about Georgia's $980M Mega Millions winner

Someone in Newnan just won the eighth-largest Mega Millions jackpot ever.

Samantha Herscher profile pic

Samantha Herscher

PA Lottery launch new Cash POP game
CASH POP arrives: Pennsylvania Lottery launches daily-drawing game

New game offers guaranteed wins for players willing to bet on all numbers.

Samantha Herscher profile pic

Samantha Herscher

Brightstar sustainability
A lottery giant's big green push: Will U.S. lotteries follow the trend?

Brightstar is revamping its eco strategy, raising questions about what upgrades American players may see next.

Todd Betzold profile pic

Todd Betzold

South Carolina CASH POP error
Misprint leads to 214 ticket refunds for CASH POP in South Carolina

South Carolina: Does your CASH POP ticket have a typo? Get a refund.

Halley Bondy profile pic

Halley Bondy