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Sheila Kay Verke

Powerball Winner • AZ • 2010

Jackpot (2024$)

N/A

lump sum

Age at Win

64

Substitute teacher

Quick Facts

Win Date
December 1, 2010
State
AZ
Winner Type
individual
Marital Status
single
Ticket Type
Own Numbers
Payment Choice
lump sum
After Tax
$30M

Timeline

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Date unknown

Powerball Drawing

Won $95.3M Powerball jackpot using family birthday numbers played for 6 years. Ticket from Safeway in Fort Mohave. Retailer received $25K bonus, donated $5K to Boys & Girls Club.

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Date unknown

Win Discovered

Realized winning ticket the morning after the draw.

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Date unknown

Prize Claimed

Claimed after 11-day Strategic Pause. Had already assembled financial advisory team. Cash option: $49.9M pre-tax, ~$30.2M net.

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Date unknown

RV Purchase

Bought recreational vehicle as primary stated goal - quit job and travel

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Date unknown

South Dakota Move

Relocated to Spearfish, Lawrence County, SD. Strategic tax arbitrage: 0% state income tax, dynasty trust jurisdiction.

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Date unknown

Cancer Charity Support

Supported Fishin for the Cure charity for childhood cancer research

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Date unknown

Passing

Died at Spearfish Canyon Healthcare from brain cancer at age 77. Survived win by 13 years with full solvency.

Notable Quotes

"Im delighted because I can make so many changes, not only in my life, but also in the lives of others."

Analysis

Protective Factors

  • +11-day Strategic Pause for advisor vetting before claim
  • +Jurisdictional optimization (AZ to SD relocation)
  • +Lump sum rationality - chose immediate capital control
  • +Lifestyle continuity - RV travel vs. status purchases
  • +Millionaire Next Door behavior
  • +Pre-claim advisory team established
  • +Older winner (64) - life experience and grounded values
  • +No high-visibility checkbook philanthropy
  • +Community integration in SD (Roughrider Electric Cooperative)
  • +Two sons - no public family feuds or litigation

How They Found Out

Discovered win morning of December 2, 2010 (day after draw). Took 11-day Strategic Pause to vet financial advisors and prepare before claiming. Appeared at Arizona Lottery press conference December 13, 2010.

Research Quality: high • Last Updated: 12/28/2025 • Years Tracked: 13
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