Merle and Pat Butler of Redbud, Illinois Mega Millions Winners [VIDEO]

Merle and Patricia Butler,  from the tiny town of Red Bud, IL,  came forward on today and claimed their share of that $656 million Mega Millions jackpot.

They bought the winning numbers, that were announced back on March 30, as a $3 quick pick ticket from one of the local convenience stores in Redbud.

Mr Butler told the reporters, “After I looked at the ticket for a couple of minutes, I turned to my wife and said, ‘We won.’ She kind of looked at me funny and I said, ‘No, we won.’ And then she started giggling. She giggled for about four hours.” All the way to the bank!

They have chosen to take the lump sum payment — $110.5 million after taxes.  They still don't know what they will do with the money yet.

The other two winning Mega Millions jackpot tickets  were bought in Kansas and Maryland.  Winners in those two states are allowed to remain anonymous.  The law in Illinois requires winners to collect prize money publicly.

Watch the video of the happy Butlers’ press conference below.

Via [MSNBC]