State's 3rd-biggest Lotto jackpot
YAKIMA, Wash. — Deborah Harden hasn't slept well over the last week for a number of reasons: 4.8 million of them.
The 60-year-old Pasco woman, a department store buyer, is Washington's latest lottery millionaire.
She, her husband, Jim, and family members came forward Tuesday at the lottery's regional office in Yakima, collecting a one-time payment of $4.8 million, less withholding, for the April 4 Lotto jackpot of $9.6 million.
They opted for the one-time payment rather than accepting equal installments over the next 25 years.
"I couldn't work the next day. I had real focus issues," Harden said. "I was up all night and all the next day. We haven't slept good yet. It is mind-altering."
The win also is life-altering. Harden said she plans to keep working for awhile at Griggs Department Store, where she has been employed for 20 years. But now there's the option to retire early.
"We were afraid we would have to work to 66 or 67. This will enable us to do things we weren't sure we could do."
This has been a big week for the couple. They will celebrate their 27th wedding anniversary Thursday.
Jim Harden, also 60, operates a mental health counseling business.
Theirs is the third largest Lotto jackpot ever won in Washington state, behind earlier jackpots for $11.7 million and $9.7 million.
The Hardens delayed coming forward to give them time to consult with investment and tax professionals.
Their initial plans are to take a family trip to Disneyland, treat her father-in-law to a gambling trip, enclose their patio, and set up education trusts for their three grandchildren, ages 11, 13 and 14.
They were accompanied by their son, Randy Larsen, 41; their daughter, Jodie LaCroix, 39; and her boyfriend, Pat Osmundson, 47.
Deborah Harden said she checked the Lotto numbers online the night of the drawing. After rechecking, she got her husband out of bed. While she checked the numbers again, he paced, she said.
Harden purchased her computer-pick numbers at a Chevron convenience store in Pasco, one of three places she purchased a total of $13 in tickets.
She confessed she isn't a regular player of the lottery, buying tickets only when the jackpot rises above $5 million.
"I might play more now," she said.
WAHOO BAH HUMBUG. I COULD HAVE USED THAT MONEY. hum i must be in a grumpy mood today.
Oh Well ........................... somebody wins, and most of us don't !
Time to wager another $1 on Mega Millions !
Congrats to the Hardens, enjoy!
Hmmm... Quick Picks won the jackpot again.
Again, I hope they were at least good numbers... or digits (I always get those two confused!).
Sounds like you're not buying at a lucky store.
Stop that.
One of their first plans is to enclose their patio - not buy a Cadillac, a Rolls Royce, a Rolex, diamonds and gold, but to enclose their patio.
I think these guys will do ok with the money.
God bless 'em.
Congrats to the winner........
90%?
I WOULDNT BE COMPLAINING ABOUT %10 GOOD QP'S.
oops
i get about 99.999% junk
Golly, Deborah, you're the envy of everyone: you will now be able to retire nicely -- since you have won some money. Enjoy your health and your retirement in peace!
they'll invest in a good security system and do a little SMART landscaping with plenty of thorny bushes
Dadburnit ridge....QUIT INSTIGATING!
You know what happens when the QPers and the SPers commence to feuding.
That reminds me, tomorrow is ticket buying day for the rest of the week. Guess I'll get me some
QPPPPPPPPPPPPSSSSSSSSS!!!
Yer right.
I'm gonna commence to behavin, dadgum it.