Everett couple win lottery jackpot

EVERETT — What would you do if you had $520,000?

Tim and Laurie Gober of Everett faced this unlikely question Sunday after they found out they won Washington’s Lottery Hit 5 while shopping at a local grocery store.

“We were just both in shock. We kind of didn’t believe it at first, even though we had the numbers,” said Laurie Gober, 47.

Gober said her husband, 43, plays state lottery games all the time.

“My husband is a really good guy who helps people. And he seems very lucky,” Gober said.

Still, the winning ticket came as a surprise. “I don’t know, karma?” she said and laughed.

Tim Gober went to the customer service area of the grocery store Sunday to check the ticket he’d bought for Saturday’s drawing. Laurie Gober was standing in a check-out line when she caught her husband’s eye.

“He was just standing there looking at me. I was afraid he’ll have a heart attack,” she said.

Instead, the couple went and paid their mortgage in full this week. Laurie Gober said it feels good not to worry so much about what would happen if they lost their jobs.

“I know too many people who are struggling to make ends meet. We feel very lucky,” Gober said.

The couple plans to do some work around the house in the near future and maybe finally fix a cabin they have in Montana, Gober said.

Other than that, life isn’t likely to change that much for the Gobers.

Gober will go on working at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett; her husband also plans to keep his job with the Port of Seattle, she said.

The Gobers plan to put away most of the remaining money, what they don’t share with relatives and friends.

“I feel we are very fortunate,” Gober said. “It’s good to share.”

As for the lucky Sunday at the grocery store, the Gobers will likely remember it for life.

“We won’t forget that day for a long time, if ever,” Gober said.

Reporter Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452 or kyefimova@heraldnet.com.