Mega Millions: Merle and Patricia Butler, retired Illinois couple, claim final share of jackpot

RED BUD, Ill. (AP) -- A retired southern Illinois couple has claimed the third and final share of last month's record $656 million Mega Millions jackpot.

   Illinois Lottery officials introduced Merle and Patricia Butler at a ceremony in their hometown of Red Bud, where they bought the winning ticket for the March 30 drawing.

   The retired analysts chose to accept the prize as a lump-sum payment of $158 million after taxes.

   They are the only one of the three winners whose names have been made public. Holders of the other tickets in Kansas and Maryland anonymously claimed their prizes.

   They bought a $3 quick-pick ticket at the MotoMart convenience store in Red Bud, which is about 40 miles southeast of St. Louis.