Obituary: Kothari

Dr. Nikhil Himmatlel Kothari passed away peacefully in his home on April 6, 2025, at the age of 90.

Beloved by his entire family, his many patients, and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, he will hold a very special place in their hearts.

Nikhil was born in Damnagar, India and grew up in Mumbai, India. He graduated from the University of Mumbai/Wilson College and then went to Bangalore Medical School, graduating in 1962. Immigrating to the US in 1963, he completed Residencies at Mercy Hospital in Pennsylvania and Good Samaritan Hospital in Lexington, KY, where he met the love of his life, and nurse, Ruthanne Mullins. After marrying in 1966, the couple welcomed three children into their world. Combining cultures and creating a beautiful life together, Ruthanne and Nik enjoyed 59 years of marriage.

The couple spent 30 years serving the community of Fairbury, Illinois, at Fairbury Medical Associates. Dr. Kothari held many positions of leadership and influence throughout the area, such as in Hospitals, Medical Societies, Universities, and Health Networks.

Dr. Kothari remained a Board Certified Physician throughout his years practicing medicine. He was a well-loved and highly respected physician by his community and patients throughout the years - many of whom still remember their experience being treated by Dr. Kothari. Whether it was delivering babies, performing procedures, conducting regular check-ups, or treating an unusual disease, Dr. Kothari had a reputation of healing his patients with the utmost care, gentleness, and humor.

What Nik enjoyed most in life was spending time with his wife and children. The many fishing trips with his sons, the regular visits to Chicago to shop and dine, the vacation adventures around the world, the many hours listening to popular music, and enjoying his daughter Tamira playing the piano every evening in front of the fireplace. All three children remark at how amazing of a father he was. Nik was overjoyed to get to see all three children married, and four grandchildren born and raised.

There was a special twinkle in his eye when he spent time with them, because he never thought he would live long enough to see them grow up. His relationship with his grandchildren was very special and if you ask them, he was the greatest Papa in the world. He was proud of what his children and grandchildren had accomplished, and supported each of them in their unique endeavors. The entire family was deeply impacted by his unconditional love, his endless generosity, and his profound wisdom — often given in his infamous letters and e-mails or around the dinner table. His unique sense of humor would regularly have his family in stitches, and he always knew how to tell a great story. He will be dearly missed and revered.

Dr. Kothari leaves behind his loving wife, Ruthanne; children, Tamira Barnes (Jeffrey), Shanu Kothari (Peg) and Dilip Kothari (Yoko); grandchildren, Brianna Nourse (Dylan), Blake Barnes, Brittany Kothari and Samantha Swanson (Joshua); sister Surekha Khandwala, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Himmatlal and Priyamvada Kothari, his brother Dilip Kothari, his sisters Dr. Urmila Shah and Nandini Sheth.

There will be a memorial service in honor of Dr. Kothari, held at Trinity Chapel (Christ Fellowship), 9625 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, FL at 2pm on May 3, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to The Indian Gospel League at iglworld.org.