Dr. Dara J. Welborn

Dr. Dara J. Welborn, age 50, of Henderson, Nevada passed away on Friday, October 28, 2022. She was born on January 9, 1972 at Boulder City Hospital in Boulder City, Nevada to her parents Sharon Annette Lindsey and James Penrod Welborn. Dara was raised in Henderson, Nevada with her two brothers. She had three half-sisters and, in her teens, gained seven step-siblings. She was an active child who enjoyed spending time with her closest friends: Justin, Sabrina, Shannon, Becca and Laurie; playing with her dolls, riding her bicycle, and singing.

In high school, Dara was well diversified in her activities. She was President of the Key Club/Kiwanis, member of the choir, Latin Club, Varsity Quiz and the Bowling Team. Dara graduated from Basic High School in 1990. She went on to continue her education obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UNLV and graduated summa cum laude through the University Honor’s Program in 1995. Dara then attended medical school in Reno at the University of Nevada, School of Medicine. In her graduating class of 1999, she was recognized by the Faculty as the “Most Outstanding Student in the Las Vegas Family Medicine Clerkship” and also served as the co-chief resident in her residency program.

Immediately after graduation from residency in 2002, Dara entered private practice in Henderson, Nevada. After three years in private group practice, Dara felt there was something missing. In caring for the whole patient, mind, body, and spirit, the third aspect of spirituality had been virtually ignored. When inadvertently addressed, she realized these patients saw long term changes in their lives rather than just obtaining symptomatic band-aids from visit to visit. Dara felt compelled to embark on a new journey that led her into solo practice. Incorporating prayer and open dialogue regarding spirituality as part of a comprehensive approach to patient care, led her to open Cornerstone Family Practice in January of 2006. She owned and operated Cornerstone Family Practice for 15 years.

What made Dara so successful in her practice was the balance she had in her personal life. Dara was a loving and compassionate mother, who was blessed with two daughters, whom she centered her life around. She was actively involved in their lives and activities, encouraging them to obtain their education, follow their hopes and dreams, and make a strong impact on those around them.

Dara recognized that her faith was the very foundation of her life and was devoted to her church. She attended church weekly, served as a missionary, a greeter, she worked in the kids ministry, and she led various bible studies both in her home and in the church. She was a very generous person, and donated to many organizations to help them thrive.

Dara enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. She enjoyed spending time with her daughters and her closest friends: Deidre, Jen Wilson, Sally, and still Becca; singing, worshiping God, and painting. She also loved to travel and to visit new and different places. Some of her favorites included trips to Zermatt, Switzerland; Rotenberg, Germany; Hawaii, Malibu, Disney Cruises, The Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt, Backpacking through Europe when she was 19, and Paris, France.

Dara was a lover of animals and cherished her pets, enjoying them almost as much as she enjoyed being around other people. One of Dara's favorites was Reggie, a Maltese-Poodle, and Bugsy, a Peke-a-chon. She had Reggie 30 years ago, and she had Bugsy for the last four years of her life. Her family was rounded out by her labrador, Sydney, who she got as a birthday present, Buddy, Skittle, Gizmo, and Precious.

Dara brought joy to all of those around her. She was a woman of faith, devoted to her family her career of serving others and was always looking to make a difference in others lives. She loved to share her energy, wit, and her zest for all of her activities with her friends and family. She lived life to its fullest and made everyone around her happier just for knowing her. She will be remembered with a smile.

Dara was preceded in death by her father, James Welborn; mother, Sharon Lindsey; and one brother, James Welborn. She is survived by her daughters: Elisabeth Gothelf and Emma Gothelf; one brother, Matthew Welborn; her half-sisters: Toni Hawkins (Bryan), Carol Faust (George) and Donna Welborn-Dicus; former spouse, David Gothelf; niece, Kaylie Welborn; and her half-nephew, Ian Faust (Hannah).

A visitation for Dara will be held Thursday, November 10, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be Friday, November 11, 2022 beginning at 1:00 PM both at at Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary, 800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV 89015.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmboulderhighway.com for the Welborn family.