West Chester grandmother hears her name called three straight times to capture top prize
WEST CHESTER, Ohio — What started as a surprise appearance on an Ohio Lottery television game show turned into a remarkable winning streak after a Butler County grandmother watched her name get called three consecutive times on the way to a $50K grand prize.
Shirley Coaston, known as “Big Shirley,” claimed the top prize on the Ohio Lottery’s Cash Explosion game show after years of playing Cash Explosion Scratch-Off tickets without a major win.
According to the Ohio Lottery, Coaston’s husband first learned she had been selected as a contestant when he saw her name announced on television.
The West Chester resident said she had been excited ever since learning she would appear on the show.
During the competition, Coaston selected the numbers 5, 16, and 24 based on family birthdays in May.
The strategy paid off.
Lottery officials said she revealed both a 2X Double and the Ohio Lottery Ticket Jackpot.
The Ticket Jackpot awarded her $1,000 worth of Set for Life Scratch-Off tickets.
Coaston won $9,400 in the opening round and advanced to the final round of the competition.
Then came the moment that changed everything.
Her name was selected first, second, and third in succession during the final round, securing the show’s $50K grand prize.
The winnings continued beyond the top prize. Officials said she also collected an additional $300 through the Ticket Jackpot bonus.
After mandatory state and federal tax withholdings totaling 26.75%, Coaston will receive $36,625.
She told lottery officials she plans to use part of the money to take her four grandchildren to Disney and hopes to enjoy an Alaskan cruise as well.
The Cash Explosion Scratch-Off ticket that earned her a spot on the show was purchased at To Go’s Shell, located at 7809 Cincinnati Dayton Road in West Chester.
Key Points
- Shirley “Big Shirley” Coaston won the $50K Cash Explosion grand prize
- Her name was selected three consecutive times in the final round
- The winning Scratch-Off ticket was purchased in West Chester