Ottumwa Woman Surprised with $2 Million Powerball Win, Plans to Finish Dream Home

Tammy Gordy, a resident of Ottumwa, Iowa, was left in awe when she checked the lottery tickets in her purse and discovered she had won the $2 million Powerball prize. Overwhelmed with disbelief, Gordy fell into her chair upon realizing the extent of her unexpected windfall.

Initially, Gordy had matched the first five numbers in the Powerball drawing, which would have won her a $1 million prize. However, she had also opted for the Powerball Play option, which multiplied her winnings to an incredible $2 million. Making her victory even more remarkable, Gordy emerged as the sole winner in the entire country that night.

One of Gordy's primary plans for her newfound wealth is to use a portion of it to complete the construction of the home she and her husband had been building. After losing their previous house to a devastating tornado in Wapello County back in 2001, their dream home project had been put on hold for several years. However, with the lottery win, Gordy intends to expedite the process and add luxurious details like a walk-in closet and a Jacuzzi tub.

Gordy's winning ticket was purchased at a Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh location in Ottumwa, Iowa. As a result, Hy-Vee will receive a $2,000 bonus from the Iowa Lottery for selling the winning ticket. 

Interestingly, Gordy was the first of three individuals in Iowa to claim significant lottery prizes within a 48-hour period, further highlighting the region's streak of luck.

While Gordy and her husband have never been driven by material possessions, their focus has always been on family. With their newfound financial stability, they now have the opportunity to enhance their experiences and create lasting memories. Gordy expressed her excitement at being able to do more things and enjoy a brighter future alongside her loved ones.