Linda Tuttle checked again and discovered a winning Mega Millions ticket like this one in a pile on her desk.

A chance conversation changed the world for a Michigan woman. She learned she was a millionaire after talking with a store clerk, which prompted her to check her Mega Millions ticket.

Linda Tuttle, of Kentwood, won $1 million from the Michigan Lottery by matching the five white balls drawn – 01-39-52-69-72 – in the May 26 Mega Millions drawing.

Linda bought her winning ticket at the T&J Party Store, located at 2882 Shaffer Southeast in Kentwood.

Tuttle learned she had the $1 million winning ticket after a clerk at the T&J Party store told her someone had won a big prize with a ticket bought at the store.

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She found her ticket in a pile along with some old mail, and when she checked it she was stunned. After she learned she was the big winner, she called her daughter to share the good news.

Tuttle hid the winning ticket in a chocolate candy tin until she visited Lottery headquarters Tuesday to claim her prize.

The Michigan Lottery headquarters building where Linda Tuttle visited to collect her prize.

Tuttle has hosted exchange students from China for many years, and she plans to use some of her winnings to visit them. She also plans to make some home repairs, and to buy a new vehicle.

ABOUT MEGA MILLIONS: 

Mega Millions drawings take place each Tuesday and Friday evening. Each Mega Millions play is only $1. For an additional $1 per play, players have the opportunity to add a “Megaplier” that can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to five times.

Tickets for Mega Millions drawings may be purchased at the Lottery’s 11,000 retailers around the state until 10:45 p.m. the day of the drawing.