On March 20th, 2009, Shawn Ray bought his first ever keno ticket in Emporia Friday and soon learned that he had won $8,735. Sally A. Lunsford of the Kansas Lottery in Topeka stated that Ray's wife, Angela Ray, had bought a few tickets during their nine year marriage, but Shawn Ray was apparently buying tickets religiously, waiting until the time was right.
Shawn Ray bought his winning ticket while enjoying a game of cards at the Veterans of Foreign Wars club at 932 Graphic Arts Road. He matched all seven digits and the bull's eye on a 7 spot keno ticket, which also allowed him to win the progressive jackpot bonus prize. Ray said that he just randomly picked his 7 winning numbers. He added that the numbers seemed appropriate at the time and he is very happy that his instincts are right.
Angela Ray was watching the winning numbers on the widescreen during the drawing but had lost count of how many digits her husband had matched. Lunsford said that it was not until Angela Ray had a VFW staff verify the ticket that she knew her husband had won more than $8,000. Angela Ray place the winning ticket in her purse and both kept as close watch on it until they could go to Topeka to pick up their cash prize.
Shawn Ray works at Irsik and Doll Feed Service and Angela Ray works at Kansa Technology. They have two children, ages eight and four years old. Lunsford said that the Rays say that Angela needs a new car, so she believes that the couple may use some of the prize for that.
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John Sullivan
