Eleanor “Harriet” Mackleit, 86, a longtime resident of Colfax, passed away on September 7, 2026, at her home at The Courtyard.

Harriet was born August 26, 1940, in Colfax, Washington, to Peter Carl and Edna (Carlson) Wigen. One of seven siblings, she grew up in LaCrosse, Washington, where she attended school and graduated from LaCrosse High School. Growing up as part of a large family helped shape what would become one of the most important parts of Harriet’s life—her deep love of family.

On September 30, 1960, Harriet married George Mackleit in LaCrosse. Together they built a life centered around family and raised three sons, Mark, Kent and Rick. Their early years of marriage took them to Great Falls, Montana, where George was stationed with the United States Air Force and where their oldest son, Mark, was born. They eventually returned to Whitman County and made their home in Colfax.

Harriet spent much of her working career at the Colfax Gazette, where she became a familiar face to many throughout the community.

If there was a game on, chances were Harriet was watching it. She loved sports, particularly basketball and football, and was a devoted fan of the Seattle Seahawks and Gonzaga Bulldogs. But no team held a place in her heart quite like the Colfax Bulldogs. There was little Harriet enjoyed more than supporting Colfax athletics, and over the years she could often be found in the stands cheering on the Bulldogs.

For Harriet and George, some of the best times were simply those spent with family. As their family grew, so did the number of games, activities and events to attend. Together, they took great pride in showing up and supporting their grandchildren in whatever they were doing.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were truly her world. Harriet followed their activities and sporting events faithfully and was immensely proud of each of them. Whether the game was near or far, important or ordinary, having Grandma in your corner was something her family could count on.

To her family, Harriet was Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma and, to some, affectionately known as “Casey Nammy.” She treasured simply being together. It didn’t particularly matter what the family was doing—as long as she was surrounded by the people she loved, she was happy.

Harriet also had a special way of making sure the people she loved knew just how much they meant to her. Birthdays were never complete without one of her homemade cards. She carefully created each one especially for the person receiving it, filling it with photographs, designs and little touches chosen just for them. No two were quite alike. Her cards became something her family looked forward to each year and, now, treasured keepsakes that carry a little piece of Grandma with them.

Harriet also had a lifelong love for Elvis Presley, whose music always held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George, in 2020; her parents, Peter and Edna Wigen; her sister, Diane Geary; and her brothers, David, Bob and Jurgen Wigen.

Harriet is survived by her three sons, Mark (Bobbi) Mackleit of Colfax, Kent (Jeanette) Mackleit of Detroit, Michigan, and Rick (Wendy) Mackleit of Colfax; her brothers, Marvin (Marilyn) Wigen of Oakesdale and Kermit (Jolene) Wigen of Pullman; and eight grandchildren of whom she was incredibly proud, Bryan (April) Mackleit, Errin (Richard) Couck, Lauren (Chris) Sothen, Alex Mackleit, Paige (Nick) Thurman, Bailey, Averi and Keagan Mackleit; her beloved great-grandchildren, Zachary Cooper, Abigail Mackleit, William and Charlie Couck, Tyacke Mackleit, Bud Weitze and Logan Thurman. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, MaryAnn and Johnna Wigen.

A Celebration of Harriet’s life will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Peace Lutheran Church in Colfax followed by a luncheon. In honor of Harriet and her many years spent cheering on the Colfax Bulldogs, the family invites those attending her service to wear Bulldog colors or Colfax Bulldog attire.

Harriet spent a lifetime cheering for the people she loved. Her family will remember the woman who was always there—in the stands, at family gatherings, and beside them through life’s ordinary and important moments. Her greatest joy was her family, and being together was always enough.

The family suggests memorial donations to the Peace Lutheran Church in Colfax or to the Harriet Mackleit Fund c/o the Colfax High School Athletic Department. On-line condolences may be made at www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com